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Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

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Rare Earth Elements (REEs)

Introduction

  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements critical for modern technology, renewable energy, and defence applications.
  • REEs are not truly "rare" in abundance but are challenging to mine and process due to their widespread dispersion and the environmental impact of extraction.

The 17 Rare Earth Elements

  • Light Rare Earth Elements (LREEs): Found in greater abundance.
    • Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm).
  • Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs): Less abundant and more critical.
    • Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu).
  • Others: Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y), often grouped with REEs due to similar properties.

Applications

  1. Renewable Energy:

    • Wind Turbines: Neodymium and Dysprosium for permanent magnets.
    • Solar Panels: Europium and Gadolinium for photovoltaic technology.

  2. Electronics:

    • Smartphones, laptops, and flat screens use REEs like Terbium, Dysprosium, and Yttrium.

  3. Defence:

    • Radar systems, missile guidance, and night vision equipment rely on REEs like Samarium and Gadolinium.

  4. Healthcare:

    • MRI machines and medical lasers use REEs such as Gadolinium.

  5. Other Applications:

    • Catalysts: Cerium in automotive catalytic converters.
    • Glass: Europium and Terbium for color displays.

Global Distribution

  1. Major Producers:

    • China: Controls 70% of global production and a significant share of reserves.
    • Other countries: U.S., Australia, Myanmar, Russia.

  2. Reserves:

    • Top holders include China, Brazil, Vietnam, India, and Australia.

India’s REE Scenario

  • India is the fifth-largest holder of REE reserves globally but produces only a fraction due to:

    • Lack of advanced extraction technologies.
    • Environmental challenges.
    • Reliance on China for imports.

  • Key Deposits:

    • Found in coastal regions (Kerala, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu).
    • Minerals like monazite sands are a primary source.

Challenges in REE Mining

  1. Environmental Impact:
    • Mining and processing generate radioactive waste and pollution.
  2. Technological Constraints:
    • High cost and complexity of extraction and refining.
  3. Geopolitical Issues:
    • China’s dominance raises supply chain security concerns.

India’s Rare Earth Strategy

  1. Boost Domestic Production:
    • Increase mining output by 400% by 2030.
  2. Diversify Imports:
    • Partner with countries like Kazakhstan, Japan, and Australia.
  3. Research and Development:
    • Invest in advanced technologies for sustainable and efficient REE extraction.

Future Importance

  • REEs are critical for achieving clean energy goals and technological advancement.
  • They are indispensable for India’s 500 GW renewable energy target by 2030 and strategic autonomy in defence and technology sectors.

Prelims MCQ Example

Which of the following Rare Earth Elements are categorized as Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs)?

  1. Dysprosium
  2. Neodymium
  3. Terbium
  4. Cerium

Options:

  • (a) 1 and 3 only
  • (b) 2 and 4 only
  • (c) 1, 2, and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation: Dysprosium and Terbium are HREEs, while Neodymium and Cerium are LREEs.

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Tapping into Kazakhstan’s Rare Earths Potential

Introduction

  • Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are crucial for clean energy technologies, electronics, and defence.
  • India, a major carbon emitter, is transitioning to renewable energy but heavily depends on China for REEs despite being the fifth-largest holder globally.

China’s Monopoly

  • China:
    • Controls one-third of global REE resources and 70% of production.
    • Supplies 60% of India’s REE imports.
  • Recent actions:
    • Restricted exports of antimony and banned critical REE extraction technologies.
    • Uses its monopoly to influence supply chains, exacerbated by Russia’s reduced ore supplies.
  • Risks:
    • Dependency on China exposes India to supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks.

Why Kazakhstan is Important

  1. Strategic Partnership:

    • India-Kazakhstan ties strengthened through the ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy and International North-South Transport Corridor.
    • Proposed India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum to deepen collaboration.

  2. Resource Potential:

    • Kazakhstan holds 15 of 17 REEs, including dysprosium, tantalum, and niobium, critical for clean energy and defence.
    • Hosts advanced extraction facilities for beryllium, scandium, and other strategic minerals.

  3. Global Partnerships:

    • Existing deals with Japan, Germany, and others for REE exploration and production.
    • Investments in battery materials, tungsten, and magnets.

  4. Economic Importance:

    • Kazakhstan’s President calls REEs the “new oil” for economic growth.
    • Expanding production of heat-resistant alloys, gallium, and indium for renewable energy.

India’s Path Forward

  1. Domestic Capacity Building:

    • India plans a 400% increase in REE mining output by 2030.
    • Focus on building advanced extraction technologies.

  2. Diversification of Imports:

    • Reduce over-reliance on China by sourcing REEs from Kazakhstan and other partners.
    • Strengthen regional partnerships through joint ventures and shared expertise.

  3. Bilateral Initiatives:

    • Proposed India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum to:
      • Enhance private sector investment.
      • Facilitate joint mining and training programs.
      • Promote sustainable REE extraction practices.

  4. Strategic Goals:

    • India’s COP29 pledge for 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030 relies on REEs for clean energy technology.
    • Collaboration with Kazakhstan aligns with India's goals for energy security and sustainability.

Conclusion

India’s collaboration with Kazakhstan offers a promising pathway to reduce dependency on China for rare earth elements. By leveraging Kazakhstan’s resource base and India’s growing demand, both nations can benefit from strategic partnerships that enhance energy security and foster regional economic integration.

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