Germanium is not mentioned as an element of rare soil, a category that includes 17 heavy metals that China has a practical monopoly in refining. | Photo Credit: Reuters
India cooperates with the Chinese government to navigate the limitation of exports in germanium, a critical mineral used in the production of semiconductors, optical cables and solar panels. The export limitation of the element – more than half of its annual production comes from China – it could cause some friction in the production of electronics and other industries that require an element.
In response to the application for the right to information from the Hindus of the Indian Embassy in Beijing, Germanium was the only element listed in the complaints of Indian players in the field of Chinese export limitation of rare soil elements (REE). Germanium is not mentioned as Ree, a category that includes 17 heavy metals, that China has a practical monopoly in refining.
The export of Germania and Gallium to the United States was largely banned last November and was included in “export licensing” for other countries a year ago. India does not make any Germanium and is entirely dependent on the import of the element. According to a report on the financial diary in 2024, India relies on the imports of Germania through a supplier in the United Arab Emirates, a process that inflated the costs of the Indian importer.
The Embassy in Beijing refused to publish specific representation and meetings with Chinese officials in this matter. “This matter was taken over with ministries/departments on the Chinese side through formal communication and during the meeting,” the embassy said in its response to the Hindu.
Germania oxide is used in the “core of pre -dial” for cables of optical fibers, said an industry expert. “Preforms are solid glass rollers that are used to draw optical fibers in specialized furnaces.”
While relations with China have cooled in recent months, the country reportedly thwarted certain projects with export curbs and even travel restrictions. For example, the contract manufacturer of Apple, Inc. For the iPhone, Foxconn, it was reportedly prevented from allowing employees from traveling from China to India and recently needing to move heavy machines to make phones.
“I think these are matters concerning Foxconn and several other Indian private entities to look at it,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for the Ministry of external Affairs, in response to the question of these restrictions in January.
Published – May 12, 2025 21:20 is
