Tamil Nadu passes resolution against tungsten mining in Madurai amid widespread opposition

The Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s decision to grant tungsten mining rights in Madurai district to the Vedanta group.

The resolution, moved by Water Resources Minister Durai Murugan, comes in response to widespread protests by residents and mounting concerns over ecological, historical, and livelihood impacts.

The resolution criticised the Union Government for disregarding Tamil Nadu’s objections raised in October 2023 and proceeding with the auction of mining rights without the state’s consent. It highlighted the ecological and cultural importance of Arittapatti, a region declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site in 2022.

"This area is home to historical monuments such as cave temples, Jain symbols, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, and the Panchapandavar beds, in addition to being a habitat for rare species. The people and Government of Tamil Nadu will not allow this exploitation," the resolution stated.

Opposition Leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) accused the DMK government of failing to effectively oppose amendments to mining laws in Parliament. He questioned the absence of formal objections from Tamil Nadu during the legislative process, citing a statement by the Mines Ministry.

In response, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin assured the Assembly that the government had exerted pressure but was hindered by the BJP’s parliamentary majority. He reaffirmed his administration's commitment to blocking tungsten mining in the state.

“As long as I am Chief Minister, no tungsten mining will happen in Tamil Nadu. If the situation changes, I will relinquish my position,” Stalin declared.

Political leaders across parties have voiced their opposition to the mining project. Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram and CPI(M) MP Su Venkatesan have called for the cancellation of mining rights, with Venkatesan urging the Tamil Nadu government to deny environmental clearances.

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss and AMMK’s TTV Dhinakaran also warned of severe environmental and agricultural damage. Ramadoss described the biodiversity in Arittapatti as unparalleled, cautioning against irreversible consequences, while Dhinakaran emphasised the need to safeguard the ecosystem at all costs.

Residents of Arittapatti have staged protests, citing risks to agriculture, water sources, and livelihoods. They fear that mining activities could devastate the area’s delicate ecosystem, which sustains local communities and wildlife.

Chief Minister Stalin and other leaders have written to the Centre, urging the cancellation of the tungsten mining rights. Stalin’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the region’s ecological and cultural significance. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram and others echoed these concerns, emphasizing the long-term consequences of mining activities.