Royal Philips Electronics has started working on a technology
that will significantly reduce its dependence on rare earth
minerals for creating its light-emitting diode (
LED
) lighting products.
"We have launched some innovation projects in order to become
less dependent on rare earths," SmartPlanet quoted Frans van
Houten, CEO of Royal Philips Electronics, as saying in a
conference call with analysts on Monday.
Mr van Houten explained creating the LED lighting products
will remain dependent on rare earths, it being a vital component
to its efficiency. But such dependence can be lessened.
"You cannot eliminate it of course. But in our labs we have
been able to find a way to significantly reduce the amount of
rare earths that we need in order to make our products," Mr van
Houten pointed out.
High-tech industries depend on a sustainable supply of rare
earth elements. Rare earths, a set of seventeen chemical
elements in the periodic table, are widely used in
manufacturing a number of applications including aerospace,
consumer electronics, automotive and telecommunications.
Despite their name, rare earths are abundant. But because
of their geochemical properties, rare earths are dispersed and
not often found in concentrated and economically exploitable
forms.
These used to be a steady supply of rare earths provided by
China, the world's second-largest economy and likewise the
world's biggest supplier of rare earth minerals, holding more
than 30 per
cent of total world reserves. Nearly all the
world's processing facilities are found in China.
But China has imposed restrictions on its rare earths quotas
since 2009, citing environmental concerns. This has put the rare
earths chain into a panic, searching for other potential mining
sites as well as inventing on research and development that could
help pave the way for reduced reliance on the precious
elements.
"It will still take us a couple of quarters before that comes
to bear. But it's nice to see that when you put pressure on your
organization they come up with creative ideas," Mr van Houten
said.
Royal Philips Electronics isn't the only one working on
developing such kind of technology. Automakers Honda and Toyota
have earlier announced developing alternative technologies that
would transform their hybrid and electric vehicles less dependent
on rare earths.
In December 2011, German parts supplier Continental AG
announced the invention of an electric motor operating without
permanent magnets. Auto company Renault has reportedly started
adopting in two of its electric vehicles the new motor invention.
German wind turbine manufacturer Enercon has also begun utilizing
an electrical system to generate the necessary magnetic field
required by its generators.
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China Puts Up Rare Earths Industry Group in Bid
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