An end-to-end pilot plant for the manufacture of neodymium-iron-boron (Nd-Fe-B) rare earth permanent magnets has been established at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Hyderabad, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The facility was inaugurated by the Secretary of the Department and commissioned with senior officials from research institutions, industry and national bodies in attendance. The establishment responds to growing domestic demand for magnets used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced electronics.

The plant adopts a complete process chain from strip-cast alloy to finished sintered magnets, providing a platform for process validation and product development. Its flexible configuration is intended to support continuous innovation, optimise manufacturing steps and demonstrate scalable technologies for industry uptake. The capability is expected to underpin development of a robust indigenous manufacturing ecosystem for critical materials.

Officials described the pilot plant as a strategic measure to address global supply chain concentration and to strengthen supply security, cost competitiveness and technological leadership domestically. The project aligns with the objective of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the government vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 and seeks to reduce import dependence while enhancing resilience. Industry, startups and academia were invited to partner in translational research and scaling initiatives.

As a pilot-scale demonstration facility the plant will support deep-tech startups, foster industry collaboration and accelerate commercialisation of magnet technologies. ARCI intends to build a mineral-to-market ecosystem that links rare earth extraction, material processing and magnet manufacture to support the growth of electric mobility and advanced materials manufacturing in India. The initiative is expected to accelerate translational research and catalyse private sector participation.