Scientists at the CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad have discovered the presence of Light Rare Earth Elements (REE) in Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh. These elements are essential components used in many electronic devices, medical technology, clean energy, aerospace, automotive, and defence industries.
The Light Rare Earth Element minerals found in Ananthapur district include Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Yttrium, Hafnium, Tantalum, Niobium, Zirconium, and Scandium. Permanent magnets, which are crucial to modern electronics such as cell phones, televisions, and computers, are the most significant end-use for REEs.
Due to their catalytic and luminescent properties, REEs are widely used in high-tech and "green" products. The discovery of these minerals in Andhra Pradesh has significant implications for the country's electronics and clean energy sectors, as it reduces India's reliance on foreign imports of these critical minerals
Rare earth elements (REE) are 15 elements referred to as the lanthanide and Actinide series in the periodic table of elements, together with scandium and yttrium.
These rare earth elements have a significant impact on modern technology, and their importance will continue to grow as we shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Lanthanum (La) is used in camera and telescope lenses, petroleum refining, and hybrid car batteries.
Cerium (Ce) is used in catalytic converters, self-cleaning ovens, and camera lenses.
Praseodymium (Pr) is used in magnets and lasers, and Neodymium (Nd) is used in high-strength magnets for electric motors, wind turbines, and headphones.
Yttrium (Y) is used in superconductors, camera lenses, and spark plugs.
Hafnium (Hf) is used in nuclear reactors and superalloys for jet engines.
Niobium (Nb) is used in superconducting magnets, steel alloys, and lithium-ion batteries.
Zirconium (Zr) s used in nuclear reactors, jet engines, and ceramic dental implants.
Scandium (Sc) is used in aerospace components, high-intensity lamps, and sports equipment.
Senior principal scientist in NGRI Dr P V Sunder Raju told PTI that manufacturing permanent magnets is the largest and most important end use for REEs. Permanent magnets are essential to modern electronics used in cell phones, televisions, computers, automobiles, wind turbines, jet aircraft and many other products.
Because of their luminescent and catalytic properties, REEs are widely used in high technology and "green" products.