Neodymium (Rare Earth Element)
17.11.2025
Neodymium (Rare Earth Element)
Context
India plans a ninefold rise in neodymium output by 2027 to strengthen strategic self-reliance in rare earth resources.
Classification
- Neodymium (Nd) is a Rare Earth Element (REE).
- REEs include 17 elements: 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium.
Discovery
- Discovered by German chemist Karl Auer.
- The name comes from Greek meaning “new twin.”
Sources
- Found in ores like monazite and bastnasite.
- Major deposits: India, China, U.S., Brazil, Australia.
Key Uses
- Crucial for high-strength permanent magnets.
- Applications:
- EV motors
- Wind turbine generators
- Electronics (audio devices, storage systems)
- Defense (lasers, radars, missiles, aircraft tech)
- EV motors
Strategic Importance
- India heavily imports neodymium from China, which controls 80–90% of global REE processing.
- Target: 500 tons of domestic production by 2027, improving supply chain security and reducing dependence.