Understanding Rare Earth Element Reserves and Management in India

Where Are Rare Earth Reserves Located in India?

India possesses moderate reserves of rare earth elements (REEs), primarily found in monazite sands along its coastal regions. The main locations include:

• Odisha (Chhatrapur coast) – Noted for a high concentration of monazite.
• Tamil Nadu (Manavalakurichi) – Rich in beach sand minerals.
• Kerala (Chavara) – Features monazite-rich coastal belts.
• Andhra Pradesh (Srikakulam) – Known for heavy mineral sands.
• Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh – Potential inland sources for REEs.
• Arunachal Pradesh and Assam – Emerging as new exploration zones.

Major Bodies Involved in Mining and Processing

Several key organizations are involved in the mining and processing of rare earth elements:

• Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL)
  • Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy.
  • Engaged in mining and processing of beach sand minerals.
  • Operates units in Kerala, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
• Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD)
  • Conducts geological surveys to identify uranium and rare earth-bearing minerals.
• Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
  • Oversees exploration, mining, and downstream applications of REEs.
  • Controls the export of monazite due to its thorium content.
• Rubamin Pvt. Ltd. (Gujarat)
  • Private company that utilizes hydro-metallurgical methods.
  • Extracts critical metals from used catalysts and batteries.
  • Aims for zero-landfill and zero-liquid discharge.

Research and Development (R&D) and Policy Framework

India is enhancing its capabilities in rare earth elements through various R&D initiatives:

• CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Thiruvananthapuram
  • Focuses on REE separation and sustainable extraction techniques.
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
  • Conducts research on monazite processing, thorium, and rare earth chemistry.
• Centers of Excellence
  • Establishing facilities for geo-scientific research, mineral exploration, and skill development.
• Critical Mineral Mission (2023)
  • A government initiative aimed at boosting domestic output and attracting private investment.
  • Involves auctioning 24 mineral blocks and removing import duties on 25 critical minerals.
  • Emphasizes e-waste recycling and international collaborations for supply chains.

Recycling and Circular Economy Measures

India is actively working to extract REEs from e-waste, used batteries, and catalysts:

• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), recycling emits 80% less greenhouse gases compared to mining.
• Startups are emerging in the lithium and e-waste recycling sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Why is India focusing on rare earths?
Answer: India primarily imports critical minerals. Rare earths are essential for sectors like defense, electronics, green energy, and electric vehicles (EVs).

Q2. Why can’t India process all stages of REEs yet?
Answer: India often halts at the 7th of 12–15 processing steps due to inadequate infrastructure and technology.

Q3. What is monazite and why is it important?
Answer: Monazite is a REE-bearing mineral rich in thorium, crucial for nuclear energy and the extraction of rare earth elements.

Q4. How is the government promoting private participation?
Answer: The government is auctioning mineral blocks, eliminating import duties, supporting R&D, and encouraging startups in recycling.

Q5. What impact does recycling have on emissions?
Answer: Recycling significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional mining methods.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Where are the highest concentrations of monazite found in India?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Kerala
C) Odisha
D) Jharkhand
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: Which organization oversees the exploration of rare earth elements in India?
A) IREL
B) AMD
C) DAE
D) BARC
Correct Answer: C