Critical Minerals

09 Nov 2024 15:17:23 pm

Tags : Critical Minerals

Topic: Mobilization of resources

Why in the news?

With China dominating the critical minerals trade, India and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to expand and diversify critical minerals supply chains. The two nations were exploring a combined engagement with third countries as well.

Source: The Hindu

About Critical Minerals:

These include both metallic or non-metallic elements.
These are essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security and
There is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted.
The \'criticality\' of minerals changes with time as supply and society\'s needs shift.
Applications:
- They are used to manufacture advanced technologies, including mobile phones, computers, fibre-optic cables, semiconductors, banknotes, and defense, aerospace and medical applications.
- Many are used in low-emission technologies, such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries.
- Some are also crucial for common products, such as stainless steel and electronics.
Their top producers include Chile, Indonesia, Congo, China, Australia, and South Africa.
The Indian Government has released a list of 30 critical minerals for India which include Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium, and Cadmium.