GS PrelimsGeography (Indian physical environment)Coastal Features2022

With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs naturally in the entire Indian coastal sands in India. 4. In India, Government bodies only can process or export monazite. Which of the statements given above are correct?

A

1, 2 and 3 only

B

1, 2 and 4 only

C

3 and 4 only

D

1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. Statement 1: Monazite is a reddish-brown phosphate mineral containing significant amounts of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), making it a commercially important source of these elements. This statement is correct. 2. Statement 2: Monazite is known to contain radioactive elements, primarily thorium, and sometimes uranium. This statement is correct. 3. Statement 3: Monazite occurs naturally in India, primarily in beach placer deposits along the coastal sands of states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. However, it is not found uniformly across the entire Indian coastal sands. Its occurrence is concentrated in specific regions. This statement is incorrect. 4. Statement 4: Due to the presence of thorium, Monazite is classified as a prescribed substance under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962. Its handling, mining, processing, and export are strictly regulated by the Government of India. Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), a Government undertaking, is the primary entity involved. Effectively, only Government bodies or entities authorized by them can process or export monazite. This statement is correct. 5. Since statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, the correct option is (B).

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