Experts emphasise need for exploring new rare earths deposits; demand set to rise sharply as clean energy initiatives take roots

摘要

A recent government-supported study had reported that 12 critical and strategic materials including the rare earth elements would play a key role in nurturing domestic manufacturing to support government's low-carbon plans, such as the 100-GW solar power target, hybrid & electric vehicles and efficient lighting. These 12 minerals, including beryllium, germanium, rare earths (heavy and light), rhenium and tantalum, among others, have specialised use in a range of sectors such as aerospace, automobile, defence, entertainment systems, laptops, medical imaging, nuclear energy and smartphones.