Critical Minerals War, Processing Chokepoints & Clean Energy Transition: Lithium, Cobalt, Rare Earths & The Nuclear Renaissance

Which three South American countries comprise the world's renowned 'Lithium Triangle' holding over half of global lithium reserves?

Which African nation accounts for more than 70% of total worldwide mined production of cobalt?

Which country is the world's leading producer and refiner of nickel, producing over 50% of global supply using HPAL technology?

On which two critical semiconductor materials did China implement strict export licensing curbs in late 2023, followed by antimony in 2024?

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), what is the maximum power generation capacity of a Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?

What is the enrichment level of U-235 defining High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) required for next-generation advanced nuclear reactors?

Which multilateral partnership launched by the US, India, Japan, and other allies aims to secure resilient critical mineral supply chains?

Which element, predominantly mined as a by-product of bauxite processing, is essential for high-power radar systems, 5G base stations, and electric vehicle semiconductors?

Which country produces the largest quantity of mined lithium from hard-rock spodumene ore deposits?

With reference to critical minerals and the clean energy transition, consider the following statements: 1. The production of electric vehicles and wind turbines requires significantly higher quantities of mineral inputs compared to fossil fuel counterparts. 2. China currently dominates global chemical refining for rare earth elements, cobalt, and battery-grade lithium. 3. Recycling of lithium-ion batteries currently satisfies 100% of global industrial demand for cobalt and lithium. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): 1. SMRs have an electrical power generation capacity limited to a maximum of 300 MWe per unit. 2. SMRs are designed for factory fabrication and can be transported as modules to deployment sites via rail or barge. 3. SMRs rely entirely on chemical coal combustion to initiate nuclear fission. Which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), consider the following statements: 1. It is a multilateral partnership formed to catalyze public and private investment in critical mineral supply chains. 2. India was inducted into the Minerals Security Partnership in 2023. 3. The MSP is an affiliate body established under the statutory authority of OPEC. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the geographical occurrence of Rare Earth Elements (REEs): 1. Rare Earth Elements comprise the 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. 2. Despite their name, rare earth elements are relatively abundant in the Earth's crust, but minable economic concentrations are rare. 3. Monazite sands found in the coastal placers of Kerala and Odisha in India are rich in rare earth elements and thorium. Which of the statements given above are correct?

With reference to the environmental and social impacts of critical mineral extraction, consider the following statements: 1. Lithium extraction from continental brines in the Atacama desert consumes large volumes of groundwater, affecting local indigenous ecosystems. 2. Artisanal cobalt mining in the DRC has raised international concerns over child labour and hazardous occupational safety conditions. 3. The processing of rare earth elements produces zero hazardous chemical or radioactive waste. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Consider the following statements regarding the geopolitics of uranium supply: 1. Kazakhstan is the world's largest producer of mined uranium, accounting for over 40% of global output. 2. Australia possesses the world's largest known recoverable resources of uranium. 3. Commercial nuclear reactors can directly utilize natural unprocessed uranium ore without any chemical conversion or concentration. Which of the statements given above are correct?