Explanation:

Only statement 2nd is correct.

• While some rare earth elements (REEs) may be found in remote and inaccessible locations, this is not the primary reason why they are considered "rare." The difficulty in extracting and separating REEs from other minerals due to their chemical properties is the main reason for their rarity. 

• Renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines rely heavily on REEs. These elements are crucial for components like magnets in wind turbine generators and for the photovoltaic cells in solar panels. Permanent magnets made with REEs like neodymium and dysprosium are highly efficient and essential for compact and powerful wind turbines. Similarly, certain REEs like gallium and indium are used in the thin-film solar cells found in some solar panels. 

• China is the largest exporter of Rare earth metals followed by Australia. 

Hence option 1st is correct.