BJ

BHAVESH JALPANAIR 128· 2024

Question 15bring out the multi-dimensional implicationsGS1GS1

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.33)

Introduction

Rare Earths Elements (REE) are a set of elements of the Actinide and Lanthanide series of elements in the periodic table.

21 words

Main Body

Form keys to Strategic sectors ✓ Lithium required in batteries
High efficiency ⟹ low cost. REE as vitamins of modern industry
Gallium-Nitride AESA radars replacing Titanium
Applications in almost all sectors ✓ Chips in cars, trains, mobiles, etc
Higher computing power ⟹ Necessary for price and performance

However, they are unevenly distributed:

RESERVES:

1China - 50%
2USA - 10%
3Russia - 10%
4Australia - 10%

PRODUCTION:

1China - 70%
2USA - 2%
3Japan - 1%

Multi-dimensional implications:

(I) Political Implications:

1Trade war between great powers ✓ China - USA
2Rise in regional organizations ✓ Mineral Semicles Partnership
3Potential division of world into blocs vis à blocs vats.

(II) Economic Implications:

1Weaponization of supply chains ✓ China restricted exports to Japan
2Predatory pricing through static control ⟹ Global inflation

(III) Social Implications:

1Global south citizens likely to miss out on technological revolution
2Lack of opportunity to shift from low income → middle → high

(IV) Environmental Impacts:

1Countries go for extraction of other elements to build leverage → pollution
2Loss of flora and fauna.
194 words7 paragraphs

Conclusion

Loss of flora and fauna

5 words

Diagram

Shows uneven distribution of REE in reserves and production globally

Topper

BHAVESH JALPAN

AIR 1282024

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Factors responsible for location of industries

Rare Earth Elements distribution

Writing Stats

220

Total words

7

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone