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Key Points

President Murmu has made a strong case for India to achieve self-sufficiency in rare earth elements. She explained that these minerals are vital for everything from smartphones to national defense systems. The President also emphasized the need for sustainable practices in mining and exploring ocean resources. Her speech highlighted that technological innovation in this area is key to both development and security.

Key Points: President Murmu Urges India Self-Reliance in Rare Earth Elements

  • President Murmu labels REEs the backbone of modern tech from EVs to defense systems
  • She stresses developing indigenous tech for the complex refining process is a national priority
  • The President urges geoscientists to harness ocean resources while protecting marine biodiversity
  • Murmu calls for sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental damage and displacement
2 min read

Self-reliance in rare earth element production key for development, national security in India: President

President Droupadi Murmu calls rare earth elements crucial for national security and a developed India, stressing indigenous tech for production and sustainable mining.

"“Given the current geopolitical situation, India must become self-reliant in their production.” - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, Sep 26

India must gain self-reliance in the production of rare earth elements (REES), which is crucial for the country’s development as well as national security, said President Droupadi Murmu on Friday.

Speaking at the National Geoscience Awards-2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre here, the President called REES the backbone of modern technology, and stressed the need to develop technologies to make them usable.

“Given the current geopolitical situation, India must become self-reliant in their production. This is crucial for achieving the goal of a developed India and ensuring national security,” President Murmu said.

“Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are the backbone of modern technology. They power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to defense systems and clean energy solutions,” she added.

The President underlined that REEs are considered rare not because they are scarce, but because the process of refining them and making them usable is extremely complex.

“Developing indigenous technology to accomplish this complex process would be a major contribution to the national interest,” President Murmu said.

She also urged the geoscientists to develop technology to harness ocean resources, minimise the impact of mining on the environment and workers, as well as reduce damage to marine biodiversity.

President Murmu stated how minerals have played a crucial role in the development of human civilization -- from the Stone Age, the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the period of industrialisation.

The President noted that while “mining provides resources for economic development and creates huge employment opportunities, this industry also has numerous adverse effects, including the displacement of residents, deforestation, and pollution of air and water”.

She advised geoscientists to address “the impact of mining on geo-environmental sustainability”, while also stressing the need for proper procedures to close mines to ensure that residents and wildlife are not harmed.

“Technology needs to be developed and deployed to add value to mineral products and minimise wastage. This is crucial for sustainable mineral development,” President Murmu said.

Further, the President highlighted that as the country is surrounded by oceans on three sides, geoscientists must utilise these resources as the depths of these oceans hold reserves of many valuable minerals.

“We must develop technologies that can harness the resources beneath the seafloor for the nation's benefit while minimising damage to marine biodiversity,” the President said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the President highlighting both development and environmental concerns. Mining should not come at the cost of our forests and tribal communities. Sustainable approach is the need of the hour.
R
Rohit P
Ocean resources are our future! With three sides surrounded by sea, India has massive potential. Hope our scientists can develop the technology to tap into this without harming marine life. 🌊
M
Michael C
As someone working in EV manufacturing, I completely agree. Rare earth elements are critical for batteries and motors. India becoming self-reliant would be a game-changer for our industry.
S
Sarah B
While the vision is good, I hope the government actually allocates proper funding for R&D. We've heard similar announcements before but implementation has been slow. Action speaks louder than words.
K
Kavya N
The President's balanced approach is commendable - talking about both economic development and environmental protection. This is what true progress looks like! 👏
V
Vikram M
Rare earth elements are indeed the new oil. If India can master the refining technology, we can become a global leader. Our IITs and research institutions should take up this challenge seriously.

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