AT

Anjali ThankurAIR 43· 2023

DiscussGS1GS1

With the growing demand for rare earth elements, their distribution has become a critical aspect of the global economy. Discuss the distribution of rare earth elements across the world, their uses, and the environmental impact of their extraction.

Open scan (p.37)

Introduction

Rare earth metals are those metals which are rare or difficult to be extracted. They are not rare in amount or prevalence but the extraction method is so difficult that termed as Rare metals.

34 words

Main Body

eg: Lithium, Lanthanides etc. [Answer continues on next page]

Distribution: As shown in figure majority using holds rare earth reserves and also the extraction capability. Lithium triangle and Kimberly also hold amounts of lithium. Within India, J&K & Ladakh we found some lithium reserves.

Uses of Rare earth minerals:

1They are used in electric battery and they critical part of E-vehicles [EV lithium ion batteries]
2Many electronic industry use rare earth matters.
3Batteries of electronic appliances are made

Environmental Impact of extraction:

1Create pollution in extraction.
2Water usage remains high. Eg: Hydraulic fracturing like method needs tons of water.
3Chemical leachings - Pollutes ground (soil pollution) and may leach into water (ground water pollution)
4Displacement and wildlife habitat destruction is also challenging.

Rare metals become critical in case of world moving towards industrial revolution 4.0.

142 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

This steps like enhanced technology, Roping in private sector's expertise is needed (urgent context)

14 words

Diagram

Geographical distribution map showing locations of rare earth metals including Canada, Lithium Triangle (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia), Australia, Japan, and various rare earth elements like Lithium, Lanthanum, Holmium, Neodymium, Praseodymium, Terbium

Topper

Anjali Thankur

AIR 432023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Rare Earth Elements

Distribution and extraction of rare earth elements

Writing Stats

190

Total words

3

Paragraphs