President Murmu urged eco-friendly mining innovations, stressing marine protection, minimal deforestation, no displacement, and proper mine closures for sustainability
New Delhi
President Droupadi Murmu on Friday emphasised that India must achieve self-reliance in the production of rare earth elements (REEs), calling it vital for the country’s development and national security. Speaking at the National Geoscience Awards-2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, she described REEs as the backbone of modern technology.
“REEs power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to defence systems and clean energy solutions,” the President said. She noted that REEs are rare not due to scarcity but because refining and making them usable is a complex process. Developing indigenous technology for this purpose, she stressed, would be a significant contribution to national interest.
President Murmu urged geoscientists to innovate technologies that harness ocean resources while reducing mining’s environmental impact. She stressed the importance of protecting marine biodiversity, minimising deforestation, and avoiding displacement of residents. Proper mine closure procedures, she said, are essential to safeguard communities and wildlife.
Highlighting minerals’ role in human civilisation—from the Stone Age to industrialisation—the President said mining offers economic growth and employment but also causes environmental challenges. “Technology must be developed to add value to mineral products and reduce wastage for sustainable development,” she added.
Pointing out India’s geographical advantage, surrounded by oceans on three sides, President Murmu urged utilisation of undersea mineral reserves. She called for technologies to access these resources while protecting marine ecology, underlining that such efforts are key to ensuring sustainable progress and strengthening India’s strategic and economic resilience.