Many rare metals are needed to make photovoltaic panels, rare-earth magnets for wind generators, fuel cells, and high-capacity batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles. But most industrialized nations, including the U.S., are almost entirely dependent on foreign sources for those metals. One way to change the scenario is with more domestic exploration and mining, say…
Rare-Earth Magnets make Mighty Motors
Rare-earth oxides are the principal materials of high-performance permanent magnets. Shin-Etsu, Lombard, Ill, has a unified production system, meaning it handles all steps from separation and refinement of the rare earth elements, right up to production of the magnets. The company says it supplies a range of magnets and offers support in terms of development…