Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

  1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
  2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
  3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2012 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3


Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

Rare Earth Metals

  • Rare Earth Elements or Rare Earth Metals are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table — the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium, which tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides, and have similar chemical properties.
  • At present, China refines approximately 80%-90% of the world’s Rare Earths, thereby having substantial control over their supply. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • These elements are important in technologies of consumer electronics, computers and networks, communications, clean energy, advanced transportation, healthcare, environmental mitigation, and national defense, among others. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • 10 countries that mined the most rare earth metals in 2019, as per the latest data from US Geological Survey.
    • China
    • The US
    • Myanmar
    • Australia
    • India
    • Russia
    • Madagascar
    • Thailand
    • Brazil
    • Vietnam Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Consider the following statements:                                                                   The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

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Consider the following statements:                                                         The Parliament of India can place a particular law in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The validity of a law placed in the Ninth Schedule cannot be examined by any court and no judgement can be made on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Consider the following statements:                                               

Read More »
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