LAHORE: (Wednesday, March 16, 2022): Realizing the importance of rare earth elements for their application in variety of areas like automobile industry, communication, nuclear structural materials, optical instruments, specific components used in computers, an awareness seminar was organized by Pakistan Nuclear Society (PNS) in collaboration with Punjab University College of Earth and Environmental Science (CEES).
The participants were invited from various relevant institutions and universities. Prof. Dr. Abid Khan Sherwani, Director General University of Management and Technology was the Chief Guest at this occasion. Welcome address was given by Pro. Dr. Sajid Rashid Ahmad, Principal College of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the seminar introduction was presented by Mr. Waqar Ahmad Butt, Executive Member PNS. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Khaleeq elaborated the objectives and programs of PNS. He mentioned about the various activities carried out by PNS for the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. He urged the young blood to join hands through becoming members of PNS to further strengthen the objectives. A new category of student membership was also announced. Prof. Abid Sherwani appreciated the timely initiative of holding this useful seminar as a joint venture of CEES and PNS. In the technical session four presentations were given by Dr. Abbas Ali from Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) who gave the introduction to rare earth elements explaining geology, exploration and uses. These materials make the basis of some essential components in cell phones, permanent magnets, lighter flints. Another speaker from PAEC Ms. Farwa gave details about the processing of rare earth elements in the light of their physical upgradation and hydro-metallurgical studies. Dr. Rahib Hussain from CEES talked about the quantification of rare earth and critical elements in coal wastes as an alternative source of energy. Dr. Niaz Ahmad, executive member, PNS explained origin of periodic table elements in supernovae stars, their abundance, aggregation, geologic processes and most suitable locations of occurrence in the earth. At the end of seminar, a vote of thanks was given by Mr. Ghulam Sarwar, Finance Secretary PNS.