Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called ‘rare earth metals’. Why?

China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export
Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country
Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements

Question

Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called &lsquo;rare earth metals&rsquo;. Why?

China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export
Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country
Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements

Accepted Answer

1 and 3

Explanation: ✅ Statement 1 – Correct: China is the largest producer (controlling ~70% of global production) and has imposed export restrictions on rare earth metals, creating supply chain concerns.❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Rare earth metals are found in many countries including the United States, India, Brazil, Vietnam, Russia, and South Africa, not just China, Australia, Canada, and Chile.✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Rare earth metals are essential for manufacturing smartphones, electric vehicles, wind turbines, LED screens, defence equipment, and other high-tech electronics, with demand growing rapidly.

Detailed Explanation:

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