Context:
Researchers from the IIT, Ropar has detected the presence of tantalum, a rare metal, in the Sutlej river sand in Punjab.
About Tantalum:
- It is very hard, ductile, lustrous, bluish-grey transition metal that is highly corrosion resistant.
- Melting point – 4th highest of all metals.
- It is one of the 12 critical and strategic minerals according to the annual report of the Union Ministry of Mines for 2020-21.
- Applications –
- Production of electronic components
- In the making of surgical implants
- Can replace bone, connect torn nerves and bind abdominal muscle
- As electrodes for neon lights and in glass for special lenses
- High-temperature applications, such as aircraft engines
Sutlej River is longest of the 5 tributaries of the Indus River that give the Punjab (meaning “Five Rivers”) region its name. 80% of the catchment area of River Sutlej is in China.
Must Read: Indus River | Sutlej River
Source: Indian Express
Previous Year Question
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?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Monazite is an atomic mineral that occurs naturally in the coastal sands of three districts: Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, and Kanyakumari. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.
