In a major step toward technological self-reliance, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under India’s Department of Science & Technology has approved funding for Midwest Advanced Materials Pvt Ltd (MAM) to establish a large-scale, indigenous facility for rare-earth permanent magnets.
Supporting the Clean Tech Revolution
The upcoming facility will manufacture neodymium‑iron‑boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are essential components in electric vehicle motors, wind turbine generators, medical imaging devices, smartphones, and robotics.
The ₹1,000 crore initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign imports while supporting its clean energy and green mobility ambitions.
Homegrown Technology to Power Eco-Friendly Magnet Production
The project will utilize Molten Salt Electrolysis (MSE), an advanced and eco-friendly technology developed by the Non‑Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC). This marks a significant step in localizing rare-earth magnet production using green manufacturing techniques. NFTDC will transfer this technology to MAM, enabling a fully integrated value chain—from rare-earth oxide extraction to final magnet production.
Initial Production Capacity and Future Expansion Plans
Initially, the plant will produce 500 tons of finished NdFeB magnets annually, based on 150–170 tonnes of rare-earth oxide feedstock. By 2030, MAM aims to scale up output tenfold to 5,000 tons per year, helping meet the rapidly rising domestic demand for high-performance magnets.
Strategic Partnerships and Indigenous Sourcing
To ensure sustainability and cost efficiency, MAM will:
*Source raw materials from India Rare Earths Ltd (IREL)
*Deploy domestically designed, low-cost plant and machinery
These steps will enhance the project’s economic viability while promoting Make-in-India objectives.
Catalysing High-Tech Capabilities Across Industries
Describing the plant as a TRL‑9 demonstration facility, NFTDC Director Dr. K. Bala Subramanian emphasized its potential to accelerate India’s capabilities in advanced materials. The plant will benefit multiple sectors including:
*Electronics
*Healthcare
*Aerospace
*Renewable energy
*Advanced robotics
Reducing Supply Chain Risk and Enhancing Energy Security
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the TDB, highlighted the strategic importance of the project in mitigating supply chain vulnerabilities. As global supply chains shift away from China, the development of a domestic rare-earth magnet ecosystem places India in a stronger geopolitical and industrial position.
Towards Self-Reliance in Critical Technologies
As India accelerates its clean energy transition and green mobility drive, domestic production of rare-earth magnets becomes a critical enabler. As reported by knnindia.co.in, the MAM-NFTDC initiative strengthens India’s manufacturing resilience. It also sharpens the country’s competitive edge in high-tech, future-facing industries.
