Rare Earth Minerals – The India Scenario

Rare Earth minerals have been a crucial topic of discussion for quite some time now. The reason is evidently explained by a study conducted as a result of an initiative by policy research body of Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW). The study indicated that these minerals play a key role in nurturing domestic manufacturing that supports government’s low carbon plans especially in sectors such as aerospace, nuclear energy and defense.

But what exactly are Rare Earth minerals? Let’s understand that.

Rare Earth element is a set of 17 chemical elements found in the Earth’s crust and used extensively in consumer products. Due to their productive nature, they play a significant role in maintaining our current lifestyle as well as in the effort of building a strong and sustainable future.

For more information, take a look at the picture below.

Rare Earth minerals infographic note.

While, China currently dominates the reserves of Rare Earth minerals; India too accounts for 11% of global beach sand mineral deposits or in other words, Rare Earth minerals. Currently, India has a coastline of 7,500 kms. Our deposits contain heavy minerals like ilmenite, rutile, garnet, monazite, zircon and silimanite among others.

In a time and age like ours where evolution seems to be consistently progressing, strategic acquisition of mines and promotion of innovative material recovery sectors must be embraced as our number one priority. India seems to be well underway with that as the process of mining and its applications are a very integral part of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s Make in India campaign.