AS

ARYAN SIRSIKARAIR 175· 2025

Question Q.5GS3GS2

What are Rare Earth Elements (REEs)? Discuss the multi-dimensional implications of uneven distribution of REEs in the world.

Open scan (p.11)

Introduction

Rare Earth Elements are a set of 17 lanthanides along with Scandium & Yttrium that are quintessential for modern technology due to unique electro-chemical properties

25 words

Main Body

Rare Earth Elements are a set of 17 lanthanides along with Scandium & Yttrium that are quintessential for modern technology due to unique electro-chemical properties.

Uneven distribution of REE:

With a map showing distribution:

Canada, USA, Kazakhstan, Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Brazil, DRC, Congo, Australia regions marked.

(i) Have 2/3 of REE in China & around 90% in south east Asia (including China)

(ii) China produces 95% of raffined REE - something in Wenshan mountain.

(v) Weaponization of supply chain => China uses it to get favorable trade agreements

(vi) Hindrance of global energy transition towards renewable => quintessential for REE (REE)

(vii) Geopolitical conflict => our access to REE be => South China sea dispute.

(viii) Economic disempowerment of countries without REE => huge hyper loss.

(ix) Increasing global inequalities

Use KABIL by May Discard => Create Rare Earth Department under Ministry of Mines for Extraction & Excretion

India's creation of Indian Rare Earth Ltd along with international ventures such as Critical Mineral Partnership are apt in adept direction towards critical mineral security.

175 words11 paragraphs1 bullet points

Diagram

Map showing global distribution of Rare Earth Elements across Canada, USA, Kazakhstan, Russia, India, China, Vietnam, Brazil, DRC, Congo, and Australia

Topper

ARYAN SIRSIKAR

AIR 1752025

Subject & Paper

GS3GS2

Topic

International Institutions, Agencies and Fora - Structure and Mandate

Important International Institutions

Important International Institutions

Writing Stats

200

Total words

11

Paragraphs

1

Bullets

analytical

Tone