Consider the following statements: 1. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research uses fast reactor technology. 2. Atomic Minerals Directorate for Research and Exploration is engaged in heavy water production. 3. Indian Rare Earths Limited is engaged in the manufacture of Zircon for India’s Nuclear Programme beside other rare earth products. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Statement 1 is correct: Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, is specifically tasked with development of sodium-cooled Fast Breeder Reactor (fast reactor) technology and related R&D, including the FBTR and PFBR programmes [1]. Statement 2 is incorrect: the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD) is an exploration and research organisation that identifies and estimates heavy-mineral resources (titanium, zircon, thorium, REEs) and supports resource evaluation; it is not a heavy-water production unit [2]. Statement 3 is correct: the heavy-mineral sands identified are mined and treated by IREL (India) Limited, which processes minerals including zircon used in the nuclear programme alongside other rare-earth products; DAE enterprises handle manufacture of nuclear materials such as zirconium-related products [3].

Sources

1. [1] https://www.igcar.gov.in/igcarprofile.html
2. [2] https://amd.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/SuoMotu/AMD_Info_Sheet_2024_e.pdf
3. [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2201525&reg=6&lang=1