AS

Annapurna Singh

Question 15GS1GS1

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

Open scan (p.38)

Introduction

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 elements (lanthanides etc) that are widely available but called 'rare' as it is difficult to extract them

25 words

Main Body

Growing demand for REE as :-

1. used across sectors [ex] defence, semiconductors etc

2. crucial for supply chain

3. strategically significant [ex] Yttrium used in damp manu

Distribution of REE :-

4. 90% of world's rare earth elements in China

5. India comes second with ~15% distribution for light REM

[Distribution] as critical aspect for global economy :-

3Chinese dominance creates fears of monopolisation
4Use of REE as a defence tool [ex] China blocked exports to Japan of REE over East China sea disputes
5Demand all chine high due to utility areas sectors.
6Years of global supply chain disruption over regional disturbances [ex] Tensions over Taiwan, China may block REE exports.

(Uses)

(1) Lithium used in refractory materials in atomic plants
(2) REE used in night vision goggles, other defence equipments
(3) Used in chip fabrication & thus crucial for IT industry, automobiles, consumer goods etc.

[Environmental impact] :-

1The mining & extraction are very environmentally polluting
2Water for extraction & pollution [ex] Baotou province (China) suffered desertification due to RE open cast mining
2(3) Soil eutrophication
188 words3 paragraphs

Conclusion

Rare earth elements, although crucial for multivariate reasons pose major state geopolitical & environmental threat. Need of the hour is supply chain resilience & new technology research

27 words

Diagram

showing China's major REE mining regions

  • Clear definition of REE provided upfront
  • Enumerated reasons for growing demand
  • Geographical distribution data included
  • Use of diagram to show distribution

Topper

Annapurna Singh

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Rare Earth Elements - Global Distribution and Uses

REE Distribution, Strategic Importance, and Extraction Impact

Writing Stats

240

Total words

3

Paragraphs

informative

Tone