UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 55
Which of the following statements about Rare Earth Elements (REEs) and Critical Minerals is/are correct?
- Modern technological innovations including Artificial Intelligence, robotics and space exploration extensively utilise Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
- China has the highest share in mining of REEs followed by India.
- 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.
- Rare Earth Elements are a set of 13 metallic elements.
Select the answer using the code given below:
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: Rare-earth and other critical minerals support modern high-tech industries, while India launched the National Critical Mineral Mission in 2025.
Statement-wise Analysis:
Statement 1: Correct - REEs are relevant to magnets, aerospace systems, advanced electronics and automation.
Statement 2: Incorrect - China dominates REE mining, but India is not reliably the second-largest mining producer.
Statement 3: Correct - The National Critical Mineral Mission was approved/launched in 2025 to strengthen supply chains and domestic capability.
Statement 4: Incorrect - The rare-earth group comprises 17 elements: 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - This option includes the supported item(s) and excludes the unsupported ones.
B: Incorrect - Omits supported item(s) 1.
C: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 4.
D: Incorrect - Includes unsupported item(s) 2, 4 and omits supported item(s) 3.