With the growing demand for rare earth elements, its 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.
Main Body
Rare earth elements are group of 17 elements (metals) found in the earth namely: Scandium, Cerium, Erbium, Neodymium, Yttrium.
[Distribution of rare earth elements across world - with map showing USA-14, Russia-12, China-44, Brazil-22, Vietnam-22, India-6-9, Australia-5-4 (in mm MT)]
Fig.1 Reserves of Rare earth minerals
Similar variation is observed in the production of rare earth minerals.
China -> 100 mm MTA
Australia -> 20 mm MTA
US -> 15 mm MTA
India -> 1.8 mm MTA
Therefore, rare earth has a monopoly of China with controlling 60-70% of production.
Uses of Rare Earth minerals:
1. Electrical conductors
2. Storage & transport
3. Industrial use
4. Batteries
5. Semiconductor industry
6. Electrical circuits, PCBs
7. Heart care industry
8. Defence sector
Environmental impact of extraction:
1. Radioactivity
2. Energy requirement
3. Oceanic acidification-alteration
4. Toxic by-products
Diagram
Map showing global distribution of rare earth mineral reserves with quantities in mm MT for countries: USA (14), Russia (12), China (44), Brazil (22), Vietnam (22), India (6-9), Australia (5-4)
- Comprehensive coverage of environmental impacts
- Clear distinction between extraction challenges and sustainability measures
- Mentions global economic implications
Abhimanyu Malik
Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world
Rare earth elements
Distribution and reserves of rare earth minerals
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