The Rare Earth Materials Conundrum

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.

- By Krishan Kalra

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.