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Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets

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November 27, 2025

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet recently approved a new “first-of-its-kind” scheme, with a financial outlay of Rs.7,280 crore, to manufacture Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) in India.

Sintering is a manufacturing process that uses high heat and pressure to create the densest and most powerful rare-earth magnets

  • Aim - To establish 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA) of integrated Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) manufacturing in India.
  • Beneficiary split-up - The total capacity of 6,000 MTPA is given to 5 beneficiaries through a global competitive bidding process, with each beneficiary being allotted up to 1,200 MTPA of capacity.
  • Scheme duration - 7 years from the date of award.
    • 2-year gestation period for setting up an integrated REPM manufacturing facility, and
    • 5 years for incentive disbursement on the sale of REPM.
  • Focus on value chain - The scheme will support the
    • Creation of integrated REPM manufacturing facilities,
    • Involving the conversion of rare earth oxides to metals,
    • Metals to alloys, and alloys to finished REPMs.
  • Support achieving Net-zero Target - The scheme will ensure a secure supply chain for national industries and contribute towards achieving the country's Net Zero 2070 targets.
  • Significance - By strengthening indigenous manufacturing capabilities, it will contribute to reducing carbon emissions and lowering dependence on crude oil imports, further enhancing the nation’s energy security.

Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
  • Rare-earth permanent magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnets available, made from alloys of rare-earth elements.
  • They produce significantly stronger magnetic fields than traditional magnets like ceramic or alnico, allowing for the creation of smaller, lighter, and more efficient motors and devices.
  • Types and Composition - The two main types of rare earth magnets are:
    • Neodymium (NdFeB) Magnets - Composed primarily of neodymium, iron, and boron, these are the most common and powerful type of rare earth magnets.
    • They are generally more affordable but are brittle and prone to corrosion, so they are typically coated or plated (e.g., with nickel or zinc) for protection.
    • Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo) Magnets - These magnets are made from an alloy of samarium and cobalt.
    • While not as strong as neodymium magnets, they offer superior resistance to high temperatures and corrosion.
  • Key Properties
  • High Strength - They have a very high magnetic field strength (remanence) and energy product compared to other magnets.
  • High Coercivity - They possess a high resistance to being demagnetized by external magnetic fields or everyday handling.
  • Power-to-Weight Ratio - Their strength-to-size ratio allows for much smaller and lighter magnets for a given application, which is crucial for modern technology.
  • Common Applications
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Wind Turbines
    • Consumer Electronics
    • Utilized in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines.
    • Employed in magnetic separators, motors for cordless tools, and robotic arms.

Reference

The Hindu | Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)

 

 

 

 
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