China’s Dominance in Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
China's significant influence in the realm of rare earth elements is largely due to its overwhelming control over both the mining and processing sectors. This strategic advantage translates into substantial geopolitical leverage, as China manages over 90% of the world's processing and magnet production capacity. These capabilities empower China to exert considerable influence over the global manufacturing of a wide array of electronic products.
Importance of Rare Earth Elements to India's Manufacturing
- Understanding the intricate supply chain of REEs is crucial for bolstering India's manufacturing sector, especially in producing high-tech products.
- REEs are pivotal in enhancing the performance and capabilities of various electronic and industrial applications.
Applications of Rare Earth Elements
- Neodymium (Nd): Utilized in permanent magnets for motors, headphones, microphones, hard drives, and speakers.
- Praseodymium (Pr): Used in magnets (with Nd), aircraft engines, and fiber optic cables.
- Dysprosium (Dy): Enhances heat resistance in neodymium magnets; important for electric vehicle motors, hard drives, and earbuds.
- Terbium (Tb): Essential for phosphors that produce the green color in displays and lighting.
- Samarium (Sm): Integral to high-strength permanent magnets used in headphones, microwave devices, and small motors.
- Europium (Eu): Key for phosphors responsible for the red color in displays and LED lights.
- Yttrium (Y): Used in phosphors for LED and CRT displays and laser devices.
- Gadolinium (Gd): Important for data storage and MRI devices.
- Lanthanum (La): Found in rechargeable batteries, camera and smartphone lenses, and glass additives.
- Cerium (Ce): Utilized in glass polishing compounds, catalysts, and phosphors.
- Erbium (Er): Used in optical amplifiers for fiber optic communications.
- Other REEs (Scandium, Holmium, Thulium, Lutetium, Ytterbium, Promethium): Applied in specialized lasers, sensors, electronic, and medical equipment.
