Tirupati: As the world runs towards cleaner energy, smarter technology and more advanced defense systems, rare earth metals are becoming more and more crucial to our global future. Their key role in driving electric vehicles, wind turbines, high-performance electronics and satellite systems was the focus of the three-day international conference on rare earth science and technology and applications (ICSTAR-2025), which began at SPMVV on Monday.
The school is jointly organized by the Department of Physics at the Indian Rare Earth Association (REAI), the Department of Physics at SRI Venkateswara University (SVU), and the Department of Biotechnology (SPMVV) at SRI Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam (SPMVV), where three-day conference convener, scientists, scholars and industrial leaders explore industries around the world.
In his inaugural address, Rei’s president D Singh emphasized the growing dependence on rare earth metals in modern society. “They are the backbone of clean energy, national security and advanced manufacturing,” he said, sought innovation in extraction technology, sustainable sourcing and international cooperation. He said that elements such as neodymium and dysprosium are essential for the manufacture of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines, while elements such as yttrium, europium and terbium are essential for laser systems, missile guidance and display technology.
Vice-President SPMVV V UMA provided an insightful overview of the geological and chemical properties of rare earth elements. She highlighted their availability paradox – relatively abundant in the Earth’s crust, but they are rarely found in concentrated deposits, making extraction technically demanding and economically important.
SVU Deputy Prime Minister Professor Ch Appa Rao spoke about a wide range of industrial applications in rare earths, ranging from high-efficiency magnets in electric vehicles and aerospace engineering to their essential role in oil refining and LED technology. “These elements are not merely important, but are the basis for innovation in the 21st century,” he said.
Professor Alam Srinivasa Rao, vice-president of Vikrama Simhapuri University, stressed the strategic importance of rare earth elements, particularly for Indian technological independence. The conference serves as a platform for cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Professor K Jakrapong of Thailand, Professor Mitra Djamal of Indonesia, Professor M Bhupathi Naidu, Professor SVU, Professor N Rajani, Registrar of SPMVV, Dr. MLP Reddy, Secretary of Reai, Dr. CK Jayasankar, Vice President of Reai, and B. Deva Prasad raju of Ic cubleor for the first event.
