Which of the following metals is extracted from the Monazite sand in plenty in India?

The correct answer is Thorium.

Key Points

• Thorium is abundantly found in Monazite sand, especially along the coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha in India.
• India has one of the largest reserves of Monazite sand in the world, containing around 12 million tons of Thorium oxide.
• Monazite is a reddish-brown phosphate mineral that contains rare earth metals and has a significant concentration of Thorium.
• Thorium is used as a nuclear fuel in reactors and has the potential to be a safer and more efficient alternative to Uranium.

Additional Information

• Monazite Sand
  • Monazite sand is a source of rare earth metals such as cerium, lanthanum, and neodymium, besides Thorium.
  • It is mined through placer deposits and processed to extract the valuable minerals.
• Thorium-based Reactors
  • Thorium reactors are a type of nuclear reactor that uses Thorium-232 as a fuel, which is converted into fissile Uranium-233.
  • They are considered to be safer and produce less nuclear waste compared to Uranium-based reactors.
• India's Nuclear Program
  • India has been focusing on developing Thorium-based nuclear power as part of its three-stage nuclear power program.
  • The Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) is a part of India's strategy to utilize Thorium reserves.
• Environmental Impact
  • Mining and processing Monazite sand can have environmental impacts, including radiation exposure and habitat disruption.
  • Proper safety and environmental management practices are essential to minimize these impacts.