With reference to India's critical mineral reserves and the National Critical Mineral Stockpile programme, consider the following statements: 1. India's primary source of rare earth elements is monazite, which is predominantly found in coastal beach sands. 2. Monazite mining is subject to strict state control because it contains radioactive elements like thorium. 3. The Ministry of Mines' official 2023 critical minerals list identified exactly 10 minerals essential for national security and economic growth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Question

Accepted Answer

A) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Monazite sands are found primarily along the eastern and southern coasts and are regulated as prescribed substances due to their radioactive content. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Ministry of Mines identified 30 critical minerals in its 2023 list, not 10.

Launch of Critical Mineral Stockpile Programme

7th Session of International Solar Alliance Assembly Held in New Delhi