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Table of contents
- Why are Rare Earth Minerals in the News?
- What Are Rare Earth Minerals?
- Where Are Rare Earth Minerals Found?
- Why Are Rare Earth Minerals Important?
- What Are the Geographical Challenges in Mining REMs?
- India’s Role and Future Potential
- What Is the Geopolitical Importance of Rare Earth Minerals?
- Quick Facts Table
- FAQs
- Also Read
Why are Rare Earth Minerals in the News?
In 2025, India made headlines after the Geological Survey of India (GSI) discovered significant deposits of Rare Earth Minerals in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, boosting India’s position in the global critical mineral market.
Meanwhile, China and the U.S. continue to compete over the control of REM supply chains, making these minerals a key element of global strategic diplomacy.
What Are Rare Earth Minerals?
Rare Earth Minerals (REMs) are a group of 17 chemically similar metallic elements found in the Earth’s crust. Despite their name, these elements are not actually rare, but rarely found in concentrated and economically viable forms.
The 17 rare earth elements include:
Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr), Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm), Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc), and Yttrium (Y).
Where Are Rare Earth Minerals Found?
Globally, China dominates REM production with nearly 60–70% of total output, followed by the United States, Australia, Myanmar, and India.
In India, deposits are mainly found in:
- Odisha (Bastar, Koraput)
- Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam Belt)
- Kerala (Chavara Beach Sands)
- Tamil Nadu (Manavalakurichi)
- Jharkhand (Ranchi Plateau)
Monazite and Bastnaesite are two key minerals from which rare earth elements are extracted.
Why Are Rare Earth Minerals Important?
These minerals are critical to modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to satellites.
They play an essential role in:
- Renewable energy (wind turbines, solar panels)
- Defense systems (missiles, radar, fighter jets)
- Electric vehicles (EVs) – magnets in motors
- Medical imaging & lasers
- Consumer electronics – displays, batteries, and semiconductors
Without Rare Earth Minerals, the global shift to green technology would slow drastically.
What Are the Geographical Challenges in Mining REMs?
- Uneven Distribution: Concentrated mostly in China and a few countries.
- Environmental Impact: Extraction produces radioactive and toxic waste.
- Complex Processing: Requires advanced technology and high costs.
- Strategic Control: Countries like China use REMs as a geopolitical tool in trade wars.
India’s Role and Future Potential
India holds 6% of the world’s REM reserves, but its production capacity remains low.
Recent efforts include:
- Establishment of the Critical Minerals Mission (2024)
- Expansion of IREL (India) Limited for mineral processing
- Collaboration with Australia, Japan, and the U.S. under the Quad Alliance to ensure supply chain security
If India successfully develops its Andhra and Odisha reserves, it can emerge as a major global supplier in the next decade.
What Is the Geopolitical Importance of Rare Earth Minerals?
- China’s Monopoly: Controls mining, refining, and export quotas.
- U.S. Strategic Concerns: Investing in alternate sources in Australia and Africa.
- India’s Strategic Opportunity: Can become a neutral supplier for both western and eastern blocs.
- Global Energy Transition: REMs are the backbone of clean energy technologies, directly influencing global climate goals.
Quick Facts Table
| Feature | Details |
| Total Elements | 17 |
| Major Producer | China (70%) |
| Key Indian States | Odisha, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh |
| Common Minerals | Monazite, Bastnaesite |
| Main Uses | EVs, Wind Turbines, Electronics, Defense |
| Environmental Concern | Radioactive Waste |
| Strategic Partners (India) | USA, Australia, Japan |
| Global Reserve Leader | China, Brazil, Vietnam |
FAQs
Q1. Why are they called “Rare Earth” if they are not rare?
Because they are rarely found in concentrated deposits, making their extraction complex and expensive.
Q2. Which country has the highest REM reserves?
China leads globally, followed by Vietnam, Brazil, and Russia.
Q3. What is India’s share in global rare earth production?
India’s share is around 2%, but it has the potential to grow rapidly due to new explorations.
Q4. Which mineral contains most of India’s rare earth elements?
Monazite, found in coastal sands, especially in Kerala and Odisha, is the primary source.
Q5. What steps is India taking to promote REM mining?
India launched the Critical Minerals Strategy (2024) and is building refining facilities to reduce dependence on imports.
Sources: CNN
