India Eyes Global Partnerships for Rare Earths Development, Focus on Tech Localization

Experts at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Conference on Building Resilient Rare Earth Metal (REM) Supply Chains Through Technology Localisation emphasized the critical need for India to broaden its international collaborations in the strategic rare-earth sector. R Saravanabhavan, deputy adviser (minerals) at Niti Aayog, advocated for an open and inclusive partnership strategy, stating India is ready to move forward with any country willing to join hands.

Retired Air Marshal M Matheswaran, former deputy chief of the integrated defence staff, stressed the urgency of building significantly greater capacity in rare-earth development. He advised focusing on immediate capacity building rather than aiming for leadership in the future. Matheswaran suggested engaging with countries such as Japan, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom, but cautioned that technology transfer remains a significant challenge.

Rare-earth materials, a group of 17 elements vital for modern technologies like electric vehicles, smartphones, defence systems, and medical devices, are abundant in deposits within India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, according to Wing Commander P Madhusoodhanan, vice president (Aerospace and Defence) at Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO). However, he pointed out that processing capabilities are limited and do not match the available resources, with refining and recycling infrastructure needing development.

**Impact** This news holds significant importance for India's strategic future. It signals a push towards self-reliance and technological advancement in critical minerals essential for high-growth sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and defence. Increased collaboration and investment in processing and refining rare-earth materials could boost the Indian economy, create new job opportunities, and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. Companies involved in mining, mineral processing, and manufacturing advanced components may see increased opportunities and potential growth. The government's focus on this sector could lead to policy support and further research and development. Rating: 8/10

**Difficult Terms** * **Rare-earth materials (REM)**: A group of 17 metallic elements essential for many modern technologies, including magnets, batteries, and electronics. * **Lanthanides**: A series of 15 chemical elements from lanthanum to lutetium in the periodic table, which are generally considered to be the rare-earth elements. * **Scandium and Yttrium**: Two elements often included with the lanthanides in discussions about rare-earth elements due to their similar chemical properties and occurrence in the same mineral deposits. * **Supply Chains**: The entire process of producing and delivering a product or service, from raw materials to the final customer. * **Technology Localisation**: The process of adapting or developing technologies within a country's own borders, rather than relying on foreign imports or expertise. * **Monazite**: A phosphate mineral containing rare-earth elements, often considered a primary ore for extracting these materials. * **End-to-end ecosystem**: A complete system that covers all stages of a process or industry, from beginning to end.