{"id":1946,"date":"2024-12-27T11:45:28","date_gmt":"2024-12-27T11:45:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iasquest.com\/?p=1946"},"modified":"2026-02-11T19:00:02","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T19:00:02","slug":"gs-iii-technology-economic-development-biodiversity-environment-security-and-disaster-management-conservation-environmental-pollution-and-degradation-environmental-impact-assessment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kingmakersiasacademy.com\/current-affairs\/gs-iii-technology-economic-development-biodiversity-environment-security-and-disaster-management-conservation-environmental-pollution-and-degradation-environmental-impact-assessment\/","title":{"rendered":"GS- III- Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security and Disaster Management- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Examine the strategic importance of rare earth elements for India’s clean energy transition and the challenges in their domestic extraction.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical for renewable energy technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and EV batteries, making them vital for India’s clean energy goals. Despite being the fifth-largest holder of REEs, India relies heavily on imports, particularly from China, due to limited domestic extraction capabilities. This dependency poses challenges to energy security, driving India to diversify sources and address domestic constraints.
Strategic Importance of Rare Earth Elements for India\u2019s Clean Energy Transition:<\/strong>
Role in Renewable Energy Technologies-<\/strong> Dysprosium and neodymium are critical for manufacturing permanent magnets used in wind turbines and EV motors. For instance, a single 1 MW wind turbine requires approximately 200\u2013400 kg of rare earth magnets. India has pledged to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030 under its COP29 commitment. Currently, India\u2019s renewable energy capacity stands at ~175 GW (as of 2024), highlighting the critical role of REEs in meeting this target.
Support for Critical Sectors- <\/strong>Rare earth elements like terbium are essential for energy-efficient lighting, while europium is used in television and computer screens. India\u2019s defence sector depends on REEs for radar systems, precision-guided missiles, and jet engines. For example, neodymium magnets are used in stealth fighter jets like the Rafale.
Reduction of Carbon Footprint- <\/strong>Transitioning from coal-based energy to clean alternatives reduces India\u2019s greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The use of REEs in EV batteries contributes to reducing emissions, with India targeting 30% EV penetration in passenger cars by 2030 under the FAME II scheme.
Economic and Strategic Autonomy-<\/strong> India\u2019s reliance on China for 60% of rare earth imports exposes it to supply disruptions. For example, China\u2019s ban on rare earth magnet technologies in December 2023 highlighted India\u2019s dependency vulnerabilities. Strengthening domestic production of REEs will help India integrate into global clean energy supply chains, supporting initiatives like the National Rare Earth Mission.
Geopolitical and Security Implications-<\/strong> China controls ~70% of global rare earth production and has previously used its monopoly as leverage, such as during its 2010 rare earth export restrictions to Japan. By diversifying its sources through partnerships with countries like Kazakhstan, India can secure critical minerals needed for strategic autonomy.
Boosting Regional Alliances-<\/strong> The ‘Connect Central Asia’ policy and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) provide India with logistical access to Kazakhstan, a significant rare earth producer. Kazakhstan\u2019s rare earth partnership complements India\u2019s renewable energy goals and reduces reliance on distant suppliers like Australia or the U.S.
Technological Innovation and Industrial Growth-<\/strong> India\u2019s National Rare Earth Mission aims to boost R&D for rare earth extraction and processing technologies, supporting industrial growth. Investments in rare earth technologies can catalyze India\u2019s manufacturing ambitions under the \u201cMake in India\u201d and \u201cAtmanirbhar Bharat\u201d initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges in India\u2019s Domestic Extraction of Rare Earth Elements:<\/strong>
Technological Constraints<\/strong>– India lacks full-cycle rare earth processing facilities. For example, IREL operates only at a basic level, focusing on monazite processing for thorium. In contrast, China dominates magnet production, which accounts for 90% of global output.
Environmental Concerns<\/strong>– Rare earth mining produces radioactive by-products like thorium and uranium. For instance, mining in Odisha and Kerala has led to environmental degradation and opposition from local communities. Sustainable extraction practices are underdeveloped, increasing ecological risks.
Economic Barriers<\/strong>– Setting up a single rare earth refinery costs approximately \u20b91,000\u20131,500 crores. India\u2019s low private sector participation is due to the high financial risks and long gestation periods. Limited budget allocation for rare earth exploration in comparison to China and the U.S. further hampers progress.
Infrastructure Gaps<\/strong>– India\u2019s rare earth processing is limited to facilities like IREL, which process monazite from beach sands. In contrast, China has over 50 processing plants dedicated to rare earths. Poor connectivity to resource-rich regions like Northeast India and inadequate logistics infrastructure exacerbate the challenges.
Policy and Governance Issues-<\/strong> Delays in environmental clearances for projects in resource-rich states like Odisha and Tamil Nadu slow down domestic production. Lack of a robust policy framework to incentivize private sector investment in rare earth extraction and processing.
Dependence on Imports-<\/strong> India sources 60% of its rare earth imports from China. The recent Chinese export ban on gallium and germanium in 2023 highlights the vulnerability of India\u2019s supply chains. Despite agreements with countries like Australia and Japan, diversification of supply sources remains slow.
Geopolitical Risks-<\/strong> The Ukraine conflict has reduced global supplies of antimony, a key input for solar cells and batteries, leading to price volatility. India\u2019s reliance on unstable regions like Russia for critical minerals compounds the risks.
Limited Skilled Workforce-<\/strong> India has a shortage of specialists in rare earth mining and refining compared to countries like Japan and South Korea, which have invested heavily in skill development programs.
Global Competition for Resources- <\/strong>Countries like the U.S. and Japan have secured rare earth partnerships with nations like Vietnam and Kazakhstan. For example, Japan sources ~30% of its rare earths from Kazakhstan, limiting India\u2019s access to similar agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion
Rare earth elements are indispensable for India\u2019s clean energy transition, underpinning technologies critical for renewable energy, defence, and economic growth. However, overcoming technological, environmental, and policy-related challenges in domestic extraction is crucial. Strategic partnerships, especially with resource-rich nations like Kazakhstan, can play a pivotal role in reducing dependency on China, enhancing resource security, and ensuring sustainable growth in India\u2019s clean energy sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Source<\/p>\n\n\n\n

https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/opinion\/op-ed\/tapping-into-kazakhstans-rare-earths-potential\/article69029785.ece#:~:text=India%2DKazakhstan%20collaboration%20can%20enhance,through%20partners%20in%20closer%20proximity.<\/a><\/p>\n