The Narendra Modi government's proposed export ban on four critical metals can make India self-reliant and self-sustainable in several domains of military production, especially in aerospace manufacturing, a crucial minerals specialist has told Sputnik India.
The remarks of Raj Singh, a Mumbai-based expert in metallurgical products, come at a time when New Delhi has been making efforts to up the percentage of local content in its defense products.
The remarks of Raj Singh, a Mumbai-based expert in metallurgical products, come at a time when New Delhi has been making efforts to up the percentage of local content in its defense products.
India Ramps Up Efforts to Increase Localized Content in Defense Products
According to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the percentage of domestically made content in India's home-grown fighter jet LCA Tejas stands at around 52 percent which the company is planning to raise to 65 percent in the coming years.
Moreover, the locally-built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Dhruv, is said to have 55 percent indigenous content.
LCA Tejas
© Sputnik
Also, it would lead to an increased supply of raw materials and subsequently processed goods to the Indian defense industry, he stated.
Besides, it will pave the way for the development of chemical and technical expertise in research and development pertaining to these metals and a sustainable internal market and B2B & B2C chain of goods transfer in the country, the expert opined.
Singh asserted that prohibiting exports of these items would result in the development of indigenous technology and know-how, savings in import duty, and lesser dependence on foreign manufacturers and companies.
"Internal production of these much sought-after minerals will ensure a ready supply of materials at a lesser cost, and build self-sustainability & self-reliance on many fronts of manufacturing, innovation, design, and production of military aircraft, communication devices, running nuclear energy programs and facilitating automobile production," Singh told Sputnik India on Friday.
Indian Army Akash missile launcher drives through the ceremonial Kartavya Path boulevard during India's Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, India, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.
© AP Photo / Manish Swarup
Which Products are Made From Lithium, Beryllium, Niobium, and Tantalum?
Asked to mention the products in which these metals are extensively used, Singh pointed out that lithium is the main component in the production of:
lithium-ion batteries;
high-temperature-resistant glass (used in space technological projects):
rocket fuel.
On the other hand, as per his understanding, beryllium is used in:
X-ray tubes, special alloys,
Beryllium mirrors (used in meteorological satellites),
thin plates for nuclear weapon design.
"Meanwhile, niobium is needed to manufacture high-end optical grade glass and super-steel products. Upcoming applications include niobium batteries and niobium ethoxide for electronic printed circuit boards (PCBs)," Singh elaborated.
Tantalum, he revealed, is deployed in construction material for special chemical industries, that is, jet engine blades. Furthermore, super-alloys of tantalum and nickel are used in jet engines.
He insisted that the metal itself is used as a capacitor in digital devices. It is also used in tooth and knee replacement.