Communist govt opposes mining of atomic minerals from Kerala’s shore

Thiruvananthapuram: The Communist Government in Kerala has strongly opposed the mining of uranium, thorium, and other atomic minerals from the State’s coastal and offshore areas.

Although atomic minerals are found along Kerala’s coastline, the Central Government framed the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Rules – 2025 without consulting the State or seeking its opinion, Kerala Industries Minister P Rajeeve said.

The minister warned that deep-sea mining could pose a serious threat to national security. Marine ecosystems and fish stocks could be harmed, and the livelihoods of lakhs of fishermen could be put at risk.

Kerala has raised strong objections to the new rules, which allow private companies to obtain licenses for exploring and mining atomic minerals from India’s offshore regions. The State has demanded that the Centre withdraw the rules entirely.

According to the minister, deep-sea mining would also impact public sector companies involved in mineral sand processing and reduce employment opportunities for local communities.

The rules grant sole authority to the Central Government and its agencies to issue mining licenses, leaving States with no role in the process. Kerala has called this a violation of the principles of federalism.

Kerala, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu possess significant reserves of beach sand minerals, including thorium. Kerala argues that the new rules will have a major negative impact on the State’s environment, economy, and national security.

Despite Kerala’s opposition, the Central Government is moving ahead with plans to allow private and even foreign companies to mine coastal and offshore minerals.