India possesses substantial monazite reserves, estimated at approximately 13.07 million tonnes, which are rich in rare earth elements (REEs). These reserves are primarily located in coastal beach placer sands across several states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, as well as inland placers in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. Monazite is a complex phosphate mineral containing thorium and rare earth elements such as cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium.
The rare earth elements found in monazite are essential for various high-tech applications, including the production of permanent magnets, catalysts, and advanced electronics. Notably, more than 80% of the usage of rare earths in value terms is in RE permanent magnets, which require magnetic REEs like neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.
India’s monazite reserves position the country as a significant player in the global rare earth elements market. However, the extraction and processing of monazite are subject to stringent regulations due to the presence of thorium, a radioactive element. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) oversees the management of monazite resources to ensure safe handling and environmental protection. The production of monazite in India is around 4,000 metric tonnes per annum, with the installed capacity to process about 10,000 metric tonnes of rare earth-bearing minerals. However, production is capped due to factors such as non-grant of mining leases, environmental clearance, and other regulatory restrictions.
The development of India’s monazite resources presents both opportunities and challenges. While these reserves offer potential for economic growth and technological advancement, it is crucial to balance resource utilization with environmental sustainability and adherence to safety standards. Ongoing research and policy initiatives aim to enhance the efficient and responsible extraction and processing of rare earth elements from monazite, thereby contributing to India’s self-reliance in critical minerals.
