New Delhi: On the occasion of National Technology Day, PM Modi inaugurated the Rare Earth Permanent Magnet Plant, Vishakhapatnam on May 11 through video conferencing, said a statement released by Engineering Projects (India) Limited. The magnet plant worth Rs 165 crores, has been constructed by the EPI inside the existing facility of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), said the statement.

'Rare Earth Magnet Plant was constructed for IREL (India) Ltd'

Further, the statement added that the magnet plant was constructed for IREL (India) Limited. The new plant will produce rare earth magnets like Samarium Cobalt and Neodymium-iron-boron. As per the statement, the plant will use the reduction-diffusion technique, developed by BARC.

What is a reduction-diffusion technique?

The Reduction Diffusion Technique is a process used by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for the production of enriched uranium. This technique involves the reduction of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) to uranium tetrafluoride (UF4) using hydrogen gas in a fluidised bed reactor. The UF4 is then further reacted with magnesium to form uranium metal, which is subsequently crushed and leached with nitric acid to remove impurities. The resulting uranium nitrate solution is then treated with ammonia to form ammonium diuranate, which is further processed to obtain enriched uranium. The reduction-diffusion technique is a well-established method for producing enriched uranium and is one of the methods used by BARC for its nuclear fuel cycle activities.

'These rare earth magnets are used for producing high technology products'

The statement highlighted that these rare earth magnets, which will be produced in this plant, are critical components used for producing high-technology products in telecommunications, electric vehicles, microelectronics, wind turbines, airplanes, and in weapons. Further, it added, "This landmark development is a huge step in the direction of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' as up to now most of our needs for this critical item were being met through imports only."

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