Scientists from Hyderabad’s National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) discovered rare-earth elements (REEs) in the Anantapur area of Andhra Pradesh.
What are Rare-Earth Elements?
- Lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, yttrium, hafnium, tantalum, niobium, zirconium, and scandium are examples of rare-earth elements (REEs).
- Because of their distinctive magnetic, optical, and catalytic capabilities, these elements are frequently employed in modern electronics like as cellphones, computers, jet planes, and other items.
- These elements are critical components in a variety of electronic systems and have industrial uses in industries such as imaging, aerospace, and defence.
SHORE Project and REE Discovery
- The discovery was made as part of a project financed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) named “Shallow Subsurface Imaging of India for Resource Exploration.” (SHORE).
- In “whole rock analyses,” NGRI scientists discovered enriched concentrations of REEs.
- Drilling at least a kilometre deep will aid in determining the constancy of the elements’ presence underneath.
The importance of the finding
- The discovery of REEs in the Anantapur district is noteworthy since these elements are in great demand worldwide and have a restricted supply.
- Because of their increasing demand and restricted supply, rare earth elements (REEs) have become a source of geopolitical worry.
- China presently accounts for more than 80% of global production and exports of rare-earth elements (REEs).
- The country possesses considerable REE reserves and has heavily invested in mining and processing facilities.
Source: https://english.madhyamam.com/h-upload/2023/04/08/1600x960_1960964-miners-hold-platinum-or-silver-or-rare-earth-minerals-found-in-the-mine-shut.jpg