India has taken a major step towards self-reliance in critical technologies with the establishment of a pilot plant for manufacturing Nd-Fe-B (Neodymium-Iron-Boron) rare earth permanent magnets at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad.
The facility, set up under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), was inaugurated by DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar in the presence of leading scientists, industry representatives and policymakers. Nd-Fe-B magnets are high-performance materials widely used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, electronics and advanced manufacturing. Their domestic production is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imports and strengthen supply chain security.
The pilot plant features an end-to-end manufacturing process—from alloy production to finished magnets—aimed at building a robust indigenous ecosystem.
Officials described the initiative as a significant milestone in India’s entry into the global rare earth value chain and a step towards achieving “Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The facility will also support technology validation, industry collaboration and scaling up of innovations for commercial production.
Experts noted that global supply chains for rare earth magnets are highly concentrated, making domestic capability crucial for strategic autonomy, especially as demand rises in clean energy and electric mobility sectors. The plant is expected to promote research-to-industry transition, encourage private sector participation and accelerate the growth of advanced materials manufacturing in the country.