Nexon Geochem completed the first round of technical evaluation and benchmarking of Indian-origin raw materials for Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) rare-earth permanent magnets. The company conducted the evaluation using technology from Russia’s State Research and Design Institute of Rare Metal Industry (Giredmet). The development marks an important step towards establishing a domestic supply chain for high-performance permanent magnets. It also demonstrates the potential to integrate Indian-origin feedstock into advanced NdFeB magnet manufacturing processes.
Nexon Plans Large-Scale NdFeB Magnet Manufacturing
As its next major objective, Nexon Geochem plans to establish a scalable sintered NdFeB permanent magnet manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. The proposed facility will position the company among the early integrated platforms capable of connecting rare-earth oxide processing with permanent magnet manufacturing in India. Nexon is targeting a production capacity of 1,200 tonnes per annum (TPA) of NdFeB permanent magnets by FY33, according to the company. NdFeB permanent magnets are critical components in several advanced technologies. In particular, they are used in permanent magnet synchronous generators for wind turbines, including offshore wind turbines, as well as synchronous traction motors used in battery electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.
Technology Pathway Validated with Indian Feedstock
Praveen Choudhary, Founder of Nexon Geochem, described the successful validation as a significant milestone for the company. He said the evaluation has technically demonstrated a pathway for integrating Indian-origin raw materials into Giredmet’s NdFeB manufacturing technology platform. The company will now focus on taking the validated process into pilot production and customer applications in India. Nexon aims to demonstrate that domestic feedstock can support the production of high-performance Nd-Fe-B magnets across the N35 to N52 grade range. These magnets could serve applications across electric mobility, automotive systems, consumer electrical and electronics products, renewable energy, medical technology, aerospace and defence, among other advanced industries.
Giredmet Supports Indian NdFeB Supply Chain Development
Konstantin Ivanovskikh, Deputy Director for Research & Innovation at Giredmet, said the successful evaluation represents an important technical milestone. According to him, the validation of
Indian-origin raw materials through the Nd-Fe-B manufacturing process using Giredmet technology creates a foundation for developing an integrated domestic supply chain. The proposed supply chain could eventually connect Indian rare-earth feedstock with finished high-performance NdFeB permanent magnets, reducing reliance on external sources for critical magnet materials.
Next Phase Focuses on Pilot Production and Customer Validation
Following the initial technical validation, Nexon Geochem plans to move towards pilot production and customer validation in India. The company will work with potential customers to understand application-specific requirements while simultaneously optimising manufacturing processes and magnet grades. At the same time, Nexon will advance the infrastructure, equipment procurement and execution plans required for commercial-scale production. This approach will allow the company to test the technology under practical operating conditions before moving towards full-scale manufacturing.
Evaluation Covered Raw Materials and Magnet Performance
As part of the technical programme, Nexon supplied Indian-origin Nd-Pr oxide, iron and ferroboron to Giredmet for evaluation. The objective was to determine whether these domestic raw materials could be successfully integrated into Giredmet’s NdFeB manufacturing technology and converted into magnets that meet the required magnetic and structural performance standards. The first batch has completed the prescribed technical evaluation and benchmarking. The assessment covered several critical parameters, including:
Strengthening India’s Rare-Earth Magnet Ecosystem
The successful validation represents a significant step towards developing an India-based rare-earth magnet manufacturing ecosystem. By combining domestic raw materials with proven NdFeB processing technology, Nexon Geochem aims to build an integrated pathway from rare-earth oxides to finished permanent magnets. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, as demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics and other high-technology applications continues to grow, the ability to manufacture high-performance NdFeB magnets domestically could become increasingly important for India’s strategic and industrial supply chains.
