President Droupadi Murmu addressed the National Geoscience Awards-2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Friday. She emphasized India's need for independence in rare earth elements production to support national development and security objectives. The President described these materials as essential components powering smartphones, electric vehicles, defense systems and clean energy technologies.
Murmu explained that rare earth elements receive their designation due to complex refining processes rather than actual scarcity. She encouraged scientists to develop domestic technologies for processing these materials and extracting ocean floor resources. The President stressed environmental protection during mining operations while highlighting opportunities for sustainable mineral development.
Mining activities create employment and economic benefits but also cause resident displacement, deforestation and pollution problems. Murmu advocated for technological solutions that minimize environmental damage and protect marine ecosystems. She noted India's three-sided ocean boundaries offer significant mineral extraction potential for national benefit.
Murmu explained that rare earth elements receive their designation due to complex refining processes rather than actual scarcity. She encouraged scientists to develop domestic technologies for processing these materials and extracting ocean floor resources. The President stressed environmental protection during mining operations while highlighting opportunities for sustainable mineral development.
Mining activities create employment and economic benefits but also cause resident displacement, deforestation and pollution problems. Murmu advocated for technological solutions that minimize environmental damage and protect marine ecosystems. She noted India's three-sided ocean boundaries offer significant mineral extraction potential for national benefit.
