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Meghalaya Groups Oppose Uranium Mining Exemption

21 Sep 2025 GS 1 Geography
Meghalaya Groups Oppose Uranium Mining Exemption Click to view full image

Context

  • Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued an office memorandum exempting uranium mining (along with atomic, critical, and strategic minerals) from mandatory public consultations under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act (MMDR).

  • State Concerned: Meghalaya, which holds one of India’s largest uranium reserves in Domiasiat and Wahkaji (West Khasi Hills).

Opposition

  1. Khasi Students’ Union (KSU):

    • Long history of anti-uranium protests.

    • Argues that exemption of public hearings is an assault on indigenous rights.

    • Reaffirmed resistance to any mining activities.

  2. Hynniewtrep Youth Council:

    • Termed the move as an attempt to snatch land and resources.

    • Warned of risks of radioactivity, citing Jharkhand’s Jaduguda uranium mining experience where locals suffered health consequences.

Issues Involved

  • Environmental Risks: Radioactive contamination of soil, water, forests.

  • Health Concerns: Cancer, genetic disorders, radiation-related illnesses.

  • Tribal Rights: Exclusion of public hearings undermines constitutional protections for Scheduled Tribes (Sixth Schedule, PESA Act principles).

  • Federal Concerns: Centre vs. State/Local bodies on resource ownership.

Significance

  • Meghalaya has an estimated 9,500 tonnes of high-grade uranium ore.

  • Uranium is crucial for India’s nuclear energy programme, but faces strong local opposition.

  • Reflects broader tensions between strategic mineral extraction and indigenous rights & environmental justice.

Uranium Deposits and Mining in India

Context

  • Uranium is a strategic mineral, crucial for India’s nuclear energy programme and national security.

  • India possesses significant deposits but remains partly dependent on imports.

  • Primary agency: Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL), operating since 1967, under Department of Atomic Energy.

Key Uranium Deposits in India

  1. Jharkhand (Singhbhum Thrust Belt)

    • Largest uranium-bearing zone in India.

    • Major mines: Jaduguda, Bhatin, Narwapahar, Turamdih.

    • Jaduguda (1967) – first operational uranium mine in India.

  2. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Cuddapah Basin)

    • Tummalapalle Mine (AP):

      • One of the largest uranium deposits globally, estimated 60,000+ tonnes.

      • Technology-intensive extraction due to low ore grade.

    • Lambapur–Peddagattu (Telangana) – explored reserves.                  

  3. Meghalaya (West Khasi Hills – Domiasiat, Wahkaji):

    • Sandstone-type uranium ore.

    • Rich deposits (~9,500 tonnes) but stalled due to local resistance citing health, environmental, and tribal rights concerns.

  4. Other Promising Regions:

    • Rajasthan (Rohil, Sikar District)

    • Karnataka (Gogi in Gulbarga District)

    • Chhattisgarh (Korba–Raipur belt)

Imports and Strategic Partnerships

  • Despite reserves, India imports uranium due to:

    • Low ore grade,

    • High extraction costs, and

    • Growing nuclear power demand.

  • Imports from: Russia, Kazakhstan, France, Canada, and Australia.

Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL)

  • Type: Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

  • Established: 1967

  • Headquarters: Jaduguda, Jharkhand

  • Products: Uranium ore mining & processing

  • Ownership: 100% Government of India

Role & Significance

  • UCIL is the sole miner and processor of uranium ore in India.

  • Plays a strategic role in India’s nuclear energy programme by ensuring supply of uranium fuel to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

  • Operates mines and processing plants across Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and other states.

Major Uranium Mines Operated by UCIL

  1. Jaduguda (Jharkhand)

    • India’s first uranium mine, operational since 1967.

    • Processing plant nearby also treats ore from Bhatin & Narwapahar.

  2. Bhatin (Jharkhand)

    • Located 3 km from Jaduguda, shares infrastructure.

  3. Narwapahar (Jharkhand)

    • Commissioned in April 1995, considered India’s most modern mine.

  4. Turamdih (Jharkhand)

    • Commissioned in 2003.

    • Has a dedicated Turamdih Processing Plant for ore from Turamdih, Banduhurang & Mohuldih.

  5. Bagjata (Jharkhand)

    • Underground mine in East Singhbhum.

  6. Mohuldih (Jharkhand)

    • Developed as a modern underground mine in Seraikella-Kharsawan district.

  7. Tummalapalle (Andhra Pradesh)

    • India’s largest uranium mine.

    • Ore body stretches over 21 km in Kadapa district.

New Projects & Expansion

  • Rajasthan (Rohil area, Sikar district)

    • Uranium deposits discovered by AMD:

      • Rohil: 8,813 tonnes

      • Rohil West: 1,086 tonnes

      • Jahaz: 3,570 tonnes

      • Geratiyon ki Dhani: 1,002 tonnes

    • Rajasthan Govt issued Letter of Interest (LoI) to UCIL for mining.

  • Jharkhand (Jaduguda North–Baglasai–Mechua deposit)

    • Continuity of Jaduguda deposit.

    • Expected to strengthen India’s long-term nuclear fuel security.



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