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Poorva AgrawalAIR 65· 2024

Question Q.19Bring 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.35)

Introduction

REE are a group of 17 elements that are found in low concentrations, thus making their extraction difficult. eg Lanthanides, Yttrium, Scandium

22 words

Main Body

Vitamins of modern Industry
1Renewable energy - biofuels, solar panels
2Electronics - display, battery
3Defence - modern weapons
4AI revolution - GPUs, processors, etc.

Uneven distribution of REE in world

[Diagram: World map showing REE distribution - USA, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kerala, Australia]

China has 70% production of REE
Triangle of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile is also key reserve holder
USA - Texas & Alaska, all bearing
India - monazite sands of Kerala - have illuminite

Multi-dimensional impact of the uneven distribution of REE in world

1Geopolitical impact:
Weaponisation of REE trade possible eg China's metal diplomacy
US-China rivalry deepened
Monopolisation of defence REE usage
2Economic impact
Current account deficit in Rupee's
BoP account possible
Supply-chain disruptions
Skewed industrialisation
3Social impacts
Environmental degradation of REE source regions due to mining
Displacement of locals eg tribals
Inequality in world will rise

Steps taken:

Metal extraction deal with Argentina
ONGC videsh ventureship into REE abroad
Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) with USA
Kabil Consortium
190 words7 paragraphs18 bullet points

Conclusion

These steps can enable India to maintain its national interests with REE supply security.

14 words

Diagram

World map showing distribution of Rare Earth Elements across countries - USA, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kerala (India), Australia

  • Good categorization of REE uses
  • Diagram of global distribution

Topper

Poorva Agrawal

AIR 652024

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Rare Earth Elements

Uneven distribution of REE

Writing Stats

226

Total words

7

Paragraphs

18

Bullets