AM

Aditya MathurAIR 98· 2025

Question 15GS3UNKNOWN

Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REE in the world.

Open scan (p.35)

Introduction

Rare Earth Minerals are minerals that have high utility in critical industries with high disruption potential. (Ministry of Mines)

19 words

Main Body

Vitamins of Modern Industry:

1Critical Minerals: Used in all critical industries like semiconductors, electric vehicles
2Bare II Technology: In modern times and indispensable to them. Example: Gadolinium semiconductor
3Low Substitutability: due to few or no alternates. Example: Scandium in LED
4Conducive to Overall Health: Of modern

Multi-Dimensional Impact due to Uneven Distribution:

I. Economic Impact:

1High Growth Potential of REE industry due to abundant resources (Example: Scandium in Australia)
2Advanced Industrial Growth due to no supply stock (Example: China and Lithium)

II. Geographical Impact:

1Weaponization: Mineral resource by cartels (Example: China blocked export)
2Supply Shock: due to low substitution/uneven distribution (Example: COVID-19 Shock)
3Need to secure supplies: To maintain autonomy and secure industrial growth

III. Tension and Conflict: due to greed and interference by nations (Example: USA in Bolivia)

III. Social Impact:

1Poor Health: Due to mining pollution (Example: Chile (Lithium))
2Drained Resources: 'Resource Curse in Africa' due to exploitation

Solution:

1Secure Supply: Example - India - Agartha Mineral Pact
2Explore in India: India @75 Report
3Collaborate with allies: Example - Australia
4Join intl partnership: Example - Mineral Security Partnership

Rare Earth Minerals are critical to ensure growth of India Industries to attain SDG-8 (Economic Growth)

211 words11 paragraphs

Conclusion

Rare Earth Minerals are critical to ensure growth of India Industries to attain SDG-8 (Economic Growth)

16 words

  • Clear definition using Ministry of Mines source
  • Systematic breakdown of REE importance
  • Relevant examples provided

Topper

Aditya Mathur

AIR 982025

Subject & Paper

GS3UNKNOWN

Topic

Infrastructure, Economy and Development

Critical Minerals and Resource Management

Rare Earth Elements and their importance in modern industry

Writing Stats

246

Total words

11

Paragraphs