Question
Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?
1Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
2China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
3The Government of India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to establish a robust framework for self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.
4Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
A1 and 3 only ✓
B3 only
C1, 3 and 4
D1, 2 and 4
Each Statement — Verified from USGS, Natural Resources Canada, PIB
1
✓ Correct — AI, Robotics, Space use REEs extensively
Modern technological innovations including AI, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise REEs
Correct. REEs are indispensable in cutting-edge technologies:• Artificial Intelligence: AI hardware (GPU chips, sensors, data centre cooling) uses REEs like cerium and yttrium in semiconductors and optical components
• Robotics: Neodymium and dysprosium in powerful permanent magnets used in robot motors, actuators, and servo systems — the strongest magnets for their size require REEs
• Space exploration: Europium and terbium in satellite displays; REE-based alloys for heat resistance in spacecraft; REE-based propulsion components; REE-doped lasers for ranging and communication
REEs also power EV motors, wind turbines, MRI machines, night-vision equipment, and precision-guided munitions — making them critical for both civilian and defence technology.
✓ REEs in tech: Neodymium magnets (robotics) · Europium (displays) · Cerium (catalysts) · Yttrium (electronics)
Also used in: EV motors · Wind turbines · Smartphones · MRI · Night vision · Precision munitions · Satellite communications
2
✗ Wrong — #2 is USA, not India
China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India
Wrong — India is NOT second in REE mining. The correct global ranking (2024–25 data):#1 China (~70%) — 270,000 MT · Dominates both mining and refining
#2 USA (~13%) — Mountain Pass mine in California is the primary US source
#3 Australia (~10%) — Lynas Rare Earths’ Mount Weld mine is the largest REE supplier outside China
#4 Myanmar (~8%) — Heavy REEs from Kachin State, almost entirely exported to China
India is not in the top four producers despite having significant REE reserves (6.9 million tonnes — primarily in coastal and riverine placer sands containing monazite). India’s production is very limited because most REE-bearing minerals (monazite) contain thorium and are regulated under the Atomic Energy Act, restricting private mining.
✗ Correct order: China #1 → USA #2 → Australia #3 → Myanmar #4 · India NOT in top 4
India has 6.9 MT reserves but limited production · Monazite (India’s primary REE mineral) regulated under Atomic Energy Act · NCMM aims to change this
3
✓ Correct — NCMM launched January 2025
Government of India launched NCMM in 2025 for self-reliance in critical mineral sector
Confirmed from PIB and Ministry of Mines. The National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was officially launched on January 9, 2025. The Union Cabinet (chaired by PM Modi) formally approved it on January 29, 2025.The mission:
• Total outlay: ₹34,300 crore over 7 years
• Ministry of Mines oversees it
• GSI assigned 1,200 exploration projects (FY2024–25 to FY2030–31)
• Covers all stages: exploration → mining → processing → recycling → global partnerships
• Aims to acquire 50 critical mineral mines worldwide
PIB (April 2025) explicitly states: “Government of India launched the NCMM in 2025 to establish an effective framework for India’s self-reliance in the critical mineral sector.”
✓ NCMM launched 9 Jan 2025 · Cabinet approved 29 Jan 2025 · ₹34,300 crore · Ministry of Mines · 7 years
GSI: 1,200 exploration projects · 30 critical minerals identified · Covers lithium, cobalt, nickel, REEs, graphite · Also: PLI for REE magnets (₹7,350 crore)
4
✗ Wrong — REEs = 17 elements, NOT 13
Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements
Wrong — REEs = 17 elements, not 13. The standard scientific definition (confirmed by USGS, Natural Resources Canada, and all authoritative sources):REEs = 15 Lanthanides + Scandium (Sc) + Yttrium (Y) = 17 elements total
The 15 lanthanides are: Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium
Scandium and Yttrium are included because they have similar chemical properties to lanthanides and are typically found in the same ore deposits — making all 17 collectively the “Rare Earth Elements.”
13 is a completely wrong number — there is no standard that defines REEs as 13 elements.
✗ REEs = 17 elements: 15 Lanthanides + Scandium (Sc) + Yttrium (Y)
NOT 13 · Lanthanides alone = 15 · Adding Sc + Y = 17 total · All 17 share similar magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties
What are the 17 Rare Earth Elements
🔬 REE = 15 Lanthanides + Sc + Y = 17 Total
15 Lanthanides
(La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb,
Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) + Scandium (Sc)
+
Yttrium (Y) = 17 REEs
(NOT 13 ✗
NOT 15 ✗)
(La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb,
Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu) + Scandium (Sc)
+
Yttrium (Y) = 17 REEs
(NOT 13 ✗
NOT 15 ✗)
Global REE Mining — Correct Rankings (2024-25)
#1
🇨🇳
China
~70% · 270,000 MT
#2
🇺🇸
USA
~13% · 45,000 MT
#3
🇦🇺
Australia
~8% · 29,000 MT
#4
🇲🇲
Myanmar
~6% · 22,000 MT
❌
🇮🇳
India
NOT #2 · Low production despite 6.9 MT reserves
REEs and NCMM — Quick Reference for UPSC
| Parameter | Detail |
| REEs = how many? | 17 elements — 15 lanthanides + Sc + Y · NOT 13, NOT 15, NOT 18 |
| REE Properties | Unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties essential for electronics, defence, clean energy |
| China’s share | ~70% of global REE mining · Also dominates refining (90%) · Near-monopoly |
| #2 producer | USA (~13%) — NOT India · Order: China → USA → Australia → Myanmar |
| India’s REE status | 6.9 MT reserves (significant) · Low production · Monazite regulated under Atomic Energy Act · 3rd largest reserves globally |
| NCMM launch | January 9, 2025 (launch) · January 29, 2025 (Cabinet approval) · Ministry of Mines · ₹34,300 crore · 7 years |
| NCMM key goals | Domestic exploration (1,200 GSI projects) · Acquire 50 mines abroad · Streamline regulations · Recycling (₹1,500 crore) · Self-reliance |
| Critical minerals India | 30 critical minerals identified (2023) including REEs, lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, titanium, silicon |
Memory Trick
🧠 Four Facts to Lock In
REEs = 17, not 13: 15 Lanthanides + Sc + Y = 17. The number 13 is wrong. The confusion may be with the 13 elements in a sub-group of lanthanides — but the standard definition is always 17. Mnemonic: “La Ce Pr Nd Pm Sm Eu Gd Tb Dy Ho Er Tm Yb Lu” = 15 lanthanides, plus Sc + Y = 17.
China #1 → USA #2 (NOT India): India is NOT the second-largest REE producer. Despite having the world’s 3rd largest REE reserves (6.9 MT), India’s production is negligible because monazite (primary REE mineral) is radioactive (contains thorium) and restricted under the Atomic Energy Act. USA’s Mountain Pass mine makes it #2.
NCMM = January 2025, Ministry of Mines, ₹34,300 crore: Launched Jan 9, 2025 · Cabinet approved Jan 29, 2025 · ₹34,300 crore over 7 years. Objective: self-reliance in critical minerals. Covers REEs, lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite. GSI assigned 1,200 exploration projects by 2030-31.
REEs in AI/Robotics/Space = TRUE: Neodymium magnets in robot motors → Robotics ✓. Yttrium and cerium in semiconductor/optical components → AI hardware ✓. REE-doped lasers and alloys in satellites → Space ✓. All three are correct and well-established.
