Question Q.15GS1GS1

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. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Main Body

Rare Earth Elements belong to the lanthanium group which are distributed unevenly due to various cerification for manufacturing many important components.

Increasing demand for REEs -

1Growing demand for electronics as many components are made from REEs

2Rise in chip manufacturing and semiconductor requiring REE in greater number

3Defence indigenisation by countries like India exacerbated the demand for REEs.

4BT and HL supremacy spree, led to scramble for REE among big countries

then regions have REE are the new arena of tension - REE in South America eg - cobalt in congo. REEsin North America

Distribution of REE

[Map showing global distribution]

China - 80% REE

USA

Australia

Myanmar - Congo, South Africa

Unequal REE distribution

1China - unequally 70-80% of REE

2USA - 2nd largest producer of REE

3Kyrgyzstan - Lithium shortage, Argentina, Chile

4Congo (Africa) - cobalt and REEs

Uses of REE:

1Used to manufacture integrated circuits in mobile phones and electronic gadgets

2Manufacturing of semiconductors and chips

3Used for storage of potential energy thus leading to energy security

4Used in manufacturing of renewable energy components like PV axed solar cells.

5Defence manufacturing as component of defence gear

Environmental impact of extraction:

1large scale deforestation for mining - eg armen cleared for lithium

2Rising toxic and waste pollution due to alluvial water exchanged -

3Groundwater depletion as groundwater may be exploited during mining leading to aldroughts

4Soil seese due to unplanned urbanisation and flouting of rules led to proliferation of hotels and resorts.

5Lack of prior studies and auditory process of committee led to inaction of recommendations

6Increased connectivity through better roads increased call y year access to hill station

7social media romanticised hill destination

8Potential Environmental Impact

9Depletion of water level due to overconsumption

10Lack of proper draining facilities leading to flooding - at eg: Himachal

11Landslide & erosion due to light unplanned urbanization - eg: Simla landslide in 2023

12Groundwater depletion due to lesser population owing to conservation.

13Light pollution in hilly area

14Land subsidence - eg: Tajikistan

359 words6 paragraphs

Diagram

World map showing distribution of REEs with labels for China (80% REE), USA, Australia, Myanmar, Congo, South Africa

Answer continues on next page

Identifies REEs as lanthanium group
Links to multiple applications (electronics, semiconductors, defence)
Mentions geopolitical importance
References specific countries and regions
Good visual representation with map
Clear identification of major producers and percentages
Lists concrete uses of REEs
Mentions energy security aspect
Comprehensive list of environmental impacts
Provides specific examples (Himachal Pradesh, Simla)
Covers multiple aspects: water, soil, land degradation
Mentions renewable energy connection

Open original scan

Page 43

Topper

Vishnu Sasikumar

AIR 312023

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

Rare Earth Elements

Distribution, uses, and environmental impact of REEs

Writing Stats

359

Total words

Paragraphs

point-form with explanations

Tone