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
Correct answer
B
3 only
C
1, 3 and 4
D
1, 2 and 4
Explanation
Rare earths are essential to modern technologies, from magnets in motors and robots to electronics, AI hardware, defence and space systems, so statement 1 is correct. China dominates rare-earth mining, but India is not second (the US, Myanmar and Australia rank ahead), so statement 2 is wrong. The National Critical Mineral Mission was launched in 2025 for self-reliance in critical minerals, so statement 3 is correct. Rare earths are 17 elements (15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium), not 13, so statement 4 is wrong.
Economic GeographyRare earths and critical mineralsRare earth elementsCritical mineralsNCMMChinaLanthanides