Context:
With China reportedly close to granting rare earth mining licenses to at least 10 applicants, India is urgently seeking to secure imports of dysprosium and terbium—two critical heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) used in EV motors and industrial magnets. These elements are not available in extractable quantities in India, making imports essential.
Dysprosium and Terbium: Critical Rare Earth Elements
Dysprosium (Dy) and Terbium (Tb) are essential heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) used as additives in Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets. These magnets are integral to clean energy technologies like wind turbines and electric vehicle (EV) motors due to their superior magnetic strength and thermal stability.
Key Properties and Industrial Significance
- Magnetic Enhancement:
- Both Dy and Tb boost the magnetic strength and coercivity of NdFeB magnets, making them more durable and efficient.
- High-Temperature Stability:
- These elements prevent demagnetization at elevated temperatures, critical for high-performance machinery like EV motors and wind turbines.
- Optimized Composition:
- Extracted together with other rare earths, Dy and Tb are added in specific ratios to tailor magnet performance for diverse applications.
- Strategic Role in Energy Transition:
As key components in clean technologies, they are classified as critical materials supporting global decarbonization efforts.
Major Applications
- NdFeB Permanent Magnets:
- Used across high-demand sectors for their powerful and compact magnetic capabilities.
- Wind Turbines:
- Essential in generator systems where thermal resilience ensures consistent performance.
- Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Integral to the functionality and energy efficiency of modern EV drive systems.
- Other Uses:
- Found in air conditioners, elevators, and robotics due to their compact size and strong magnetic properties.
