With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Monazite is a source of rare earths. 2. Monazite contains thorium. 3. Monazite occurs natura

1. A. 1, 2 and 3 only
2. B. 1, 2 and 4 only
3. C. 3 and 4 only
4. D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Monazite is a primarily reddish-brown phosphate mineral that contains rare- earth elements. Due to variability in composition, monazite is considered a group of minerals. Statement 2 is correct: In addition to the rare-earth elements, thorium (Th) can be extracted from monazite ore. Thorium is a slightly radioactive metal, identical to uranium. Statement 3 is not correct: Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), a constitute unit of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has estimated the presence of 11.93 million tonnes of monazite resources in the beach sand mineral placer deposits along the coastal tracts of India. <Insert Table> Statement 4 is correct: Monazite is a mineral mainly containing rare earths and thorium-a prescribed substance to be handled by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Accordingly, Indian Rare Earths Ltd. (IREL) wholly owned by the Govt. of India, under the administrative control of the Dept. of Atomic Energy (DAE) utilises monazite mainly for production of rare earth compounds, and thorium, as needed in the Department of Atomic Energy.