With the growing global demand for rare earth elements, there 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.
Introduction
Rare-earth element refer to those critical minerals which are very rarely found on earth surface, but have huge economic significance. For example - Actinides, Radio-active elements etc.
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Main Body
Distribution of rare earth elements ->
L Mostly concentrated in China, South America and parts of central Asia.
L However, more than three-fourth production happens in China.
Uses of rare-earth elements -
1. Semi-conductor manufacturing - part of integrated circuits.
2. Electric vehicles - To develop batteries and charging infrastructure. eg Lithium-batterie.
3. Space technology - Important component of communication satellites.
4. Defence technology - To develop advanced weaponaries, missile defence system etc.
5. Green Energy - To produce solar and wind energy.
Environmental Impact of extraction -
1. Contamination of ground water -> Harmful for human health.
2. Deforestation as most of the rare-earth metal are deposited/found along forested regions.
3. Transportation related pollution due to spill-over.
India is also striving for domestic exploration of rare earth minerals as well as to ensure seamless supply chain with global cooperation, to ensure faster economic development.
Conclusion
India is also striving for domestic exploration of rare earth minerals as well as to ensure seamless supply chain with global cooperation, to ensure faster economic development.
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Prajnanandan Giri
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world
Rare earth elements
Rare earth elements - distribution and uses
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