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WASIM-UR-RAHMANAIR 157· 2025

Question Q.15GS1GS1

Rare Earths Elements (REE) are considered as 'Vitamins of Modern Industry'. In this context, bring out the multi-dimensional implication of uneven distribution of REE in the world.

Open scan (p.33)

Introduction

Industry of Mines has recently identified optical minerals with 17 REE

11 words

Main Body

Industry of Mines has recently identified OPTICAL MINERALS with 17 Rare Earth Elements. Rare Earth Elements (REE) comprise of 15 Lanthanide group elements along with Scandium and Yttrium.

REE are named such because of the difficulty in extraction and its economic inability of extraction is poor.

REE as vitamins of Modern Industry:

1Energy technology and hardware are dependent on REE. Ex: SuperComputing, Quantum computing.
2Energy transition demands renewable energy.

REE. Ex: Solar waffers.

3Enhancing computational power require REE. Ex: Silicon chips.
4Space travel and exploration requires REE. Ex: REE in Atomic clocks on satellites.

However REE is heterogeneously distributed across the world and its extraction is not economically viable at many places.

Distribution of REE:

Deep sea beds (Ex) Polymetallic nodules
Ecologically rich regions (Ex) Western guar
High seas (Ex) Arctic region

Multi-dimensional Implications:

1Strategic Competition between world powers to get access to REE.

Ex: China - USA rivalry.

2Supply chain disrupting would makes REE as critical mineral.

Difficulty extraction + Supply demand + trade relations Ex: China monopoly on REE extraction & processing.

3Disruption in the production of umed industries. Ex: Chip Famine disrupted automobile sector.

Therefore, a RULE BASED order need to be established for sustainable extraction of REE and mutual benefits to accelerate development.

217 words14 paragraphs

Conclusion

Rule-based order needed for sustainable REE extraction and mutual benefits

10 words

  • Clear definition using scientific classification
  • Explains why called vitamins
  • Links to modern technological applications
  • Covers energy transition context
  • Addresses uneven distribution comprehensively
  • Covers geopolitical, economic, and industrial implications
  • Uses contemporary examples
  • Links to international cooperation

Topper

WASIM-UR-RAHMAN

AIR 1572025

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Rare Earth Elements

REE Distribution and Global Implications

Writing Stats

238

Total words

14

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone