NEW DELHI: 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.