Rare earths: Key to India’s strategic future

President Droupadi Murmu has emphasised the importance of India achieving self-reliance in the production of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), citing their critical role in national security and technological advancement. She made the statement during the National Geoscience Awards 2024 ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.

"Rare Earth Elements are the backbone of modern technology. They power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to defence systems and clean energy solutions. Given the current geopolitical situation, India must become self-reliant in their production," President Murmu said.

The President explained that REEs are not inherently scarce, but their refining and processing into usable materials is highly complex. She highlighted that developing indigenous technology for these processes would be a major contribution to the national interest, according to a press release from the President's Secretariat.

The National Geoscience Awards, instituted in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines, recognise individuals and teams for exceptional contributions in mineral discovery and exploration, applied and fundamental geosciences, mining, and allied areas. This year, 20 eminent geoscientists were honoured with 12 awards across three categories: the National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement (one award), the National Young Geoscientist Award (one award), and the National Geoscience Awards (ten awards across various fields of geosciences).

The Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 was conferred on Prof Shyam Sundar Rai, Senior Scientist at INSA and Visiting Professor at IISER Pune, for his contributions to Solid Earth and Exploration Geophysics, including seismic research across Peninsular India, the western Himalayas, and Ladakh. The National Young Geoscientist Award was presented to Susobhan Neogi, Senior Geologist at GSI, for his work on the tectonic evolution of mobile and thrust belts in Meghalaya and Jharkhand.

In her remarks, President Murmu also stressed the importance of sustainable mining practices, urging geoscientists to harness ocean-based mineral resources responsibly while minimising ecological impact. She called for the use of advanced technologies such as AI, drone surveys, and mine tailing recovery to maximise value and reduce waste.

The event was attended by Minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, Mines Secretary Piyush Goyal, Geological Survey of India Director General Asit Saha, and other senior officials. In his address, Secretary Goyal outlined reforms under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act to streamline mineral auctions and enhance transparency, while Minister Reddy highlighted geoscience’s role in achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

President Murmu concluded by reiterating that REEs are vital for India’s national security and technological growth, emphasising the need for self-reliance in their production to support the country’s strategic and industrial ambitions.