Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct ? 1. Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs). 2. China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India. 3. The 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. 4. Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements. Select the answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (b) 3 only
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
Why the answer is (a)
• Rare earth elements are indispensable in permanent magnets, lasers, sensors and electronics used in AI hardware, robotics, satellites and space systems — statement 1 is correct.
• The National Critical Mineral Mission, approved in January 2025 with an outlay of about ₹34,300 crore, aims at self-reliance across exploration, mining, processing and recycling of critical minerals — statement 3 is correct.
• Statement 2 is wrong: China dominates REE mining (about 60–70%), followed by the United States, Myanmar and Australia; India's share is small despite large monazite reserves.
• Statement 4 is wrong: REEs are a set of 17 elements — the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium — not 13.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) 3 only
- Statement 1 on the use of REEs in modern technology is also correct.
- (c) 1, 3 and 4
- Statement 4 is wrong: there are 17 rare earth elements, not 13.
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
- Statements 2 and 4 are both wrong (India is not second in mining; there are 17 REEs).
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026, held on 24 May 2026. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.