Authored by
Research Matters
IIT Palakkad study shows how different indices used to predict drought combined with effects fof climate change can lead to different climate predictions for the future
Rare-earth elements, despite their names are quite common on the earth’s crust, but are often difficult to find, as they tend to clump together to form minerals. They are a group of seventeen elements including Scandium, Cerium and Neodymium, which share chemical properties. The rare-earth elements form the backbone of many of modern machinery like lasers, aerospace components, magnets and capacitors. Until 1948, India was one of the leading producers of rare-earth elements, but currently however, China produces close to 90% of the world’s rare-earth elements. Now, a team of scientists from Indian School of Mines, IISc, IIT-Bombay, IIT–Kharaghpur and the Variable Energy Cyclone Center have conducted a comprehensive study to look for rare-earth elements in beach placers, which are deposits of valuable minerals formed in sand and gravel. The team studied the beach placers along the eastern coast of Andhra Pradesh, and found signs of rare earth elements concentrations. They now plan to conduct various laboratory studies to assess the economic value of the deposits.
English
