Mains Answer Writing - 28 Dec, 2025

GS3

Environment & Ecology

15 marks

Andhra Pradesh’s coastal belt has emerged as a strategic hub for rare earth elements (REEs) in India. Discuss the significance of these deposits for India’s clean energy, defence and high-technology sectors. Also examine the challenges associated with their exploitation and suggest a way forward.

Tips for your answer

  • Treat REEs as strategic resources, not ordinary minerals
  • Explicitly link them to energy transition, national security and technology sovereignty.
  • Use location-specific facts selectively
  • Mention Andhra Pradesh’s coastline, monazite content and share in national reserves to add credibility.
  • Balance opportunity with governance concerns
  • Environmental risks, radiation safety and regulatory capacity must be addressed to score well.

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