Versuchen GOLD - Frei
The Rare Earth Materials Conundrum
BW Businessworld
|July 12, 2025
HAVING SEEN SOME clip or the other - about rare earths - almost every day in the leading national dailies, I was curious to understand the importance of these and also the way forward as China continues to ‘ration’ out the same. After reaching out to some scientist/techie friends in the USA and browsing through the usual suspect ‘uncle G’ I think, I have a simple and cogent story to share with the readers.
A group of 17 elements on the periodic table - atomic weights between 57 to low 70s and possessing properties like high magnetic strength, luminescence, high melting temperature and catalytic nature - are known as ‘rare earth elements’ (REEs) that find application in virtually every electronic product like smartphones, laptops, tablets etc. essentially to ensure their compact size (miniaturisation) allowing manufacturers to design thinner and lighter devices without sacrificing performance.
The REEs also find use in display screens, speakers, batteries and other gadgets. They help increase energy efficiency and extend battery life. Electric vehicles (EVs) and other green power products like wind turbines too find increasing use for REEs; as do aircraft engines. As an aside - and to make the Indian ladies happier - precious metals like gold (79) and platinum (78) have higher atomic weight!
Possibilities of ‘Self-Reliance’I think the panic started when Maruti-Suzuki issued a statement that they would need to significantly cut down production of one of their popular models. Union minister for commerce and industry Piyush Goyal promptly assured everyone that ‘the government was in talks with China’ but also urged for Atmanirbharta. Indeed, there are possibilities of ‘self-reliance’ in this so-far monopoly of China but, let me first share some data about the REEs that have suddenly become crucial as our production of hi-tech cars and devices has picked up pace.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 12, 2025-Ausgabe von BW Businessworld.
Abonnieren Sie Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierter Premium-Geschichten und über 9.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Sie sind bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
WEITERE GESCHICHTEN VON BW Businessworld
BW Businessworld
AI-LED MARKETING VISION
Budget 2026's sharp focus on artificial intelligence, AVGC infrastructure and digital platforms signals strategic pivot toward intelligence-led economic systems
3 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
Did the Budget Shortchange Women?
UNION FINANCE MINISTER Nirmala Sitharaman's Union Budget 2026-27 is framed at a critical juncture for India's demographic trajectory.
1 min
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
SIGNALS ACROSS THREE FRONTS
SUNIL MITTAL on how he sees trade optimism, clarity and telecom sustainability as priorities as India navigates growth, investment and digital infrastructure
1 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
We sit at the intersection of traditional healing and modern longevity science
Dhun Wellness, a luxury wellness centre founded by Mira Kapoor, has raised US$ 4 million to fund its expansion to an urban luxury wellness ecosystem. The round saw participation from family offices, including SRF (Kama Group) and Havells India (QRG Investment & Holdings), Arushi Aayush Agrawal (Inspira Global), along with angel investors, Ash Lilani of Saama Capital, Timmy Sarna, Abhishek Goyal, Sunil Punjabi, and Kaushik Deva, led by Sanjay Kapoor of Genesis. We caught up with Mira Kapoor to understand her vision for Dhun Wellness and expansion plans
3 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
STABILITY MEETS AMBITION
The centrepiece of this budget's “Viksit Bharat” agenda is the continued momentum in capital expenditure, now hovering around the Rs 12 trillion mark
3 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
STAGE SET FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN ELECTRIC MOBILITY
India's Budget 2026-27 lays the groundwork for sustainable electric mobility by strengthening supply chains, driving innovation, and positioning the country for global leadership in EVs
2 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
INDIA'S HEALTHCARE RESET GAINS DEPTH AS SPENDING, SCIENCE AND SKILLS MOVE IN TANDEM
From biopharma innovation to medical education reform, the government signals a system-wide healthcare shift with long-term global ambitions
5 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
STRENGTHENING ELECTRIC TWO-WHEELER FOUNDATION
Policy predictability allows manufacturers to plan capacity, commit capital, and invest in long-term product roadmaps with confidence
3 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
MEGA BOOST FOR ELECTRONIC MANUFACTURING AMBITIONS
The government aims to position India as a trusted global hub for electronics manufacturing and digital innovation
2 mins
February 07, 2026
BW Businessworld
GROWTH MOMENTUM & SOME MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
Budget creates the right trajectory for the real estate sector; however, there is still much room for improvement in the area of providing affordable housing
3 mins
February 07, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size
