Uranium Mining and Processing in Meghalaya

Context: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly passed a resolution opposing uranium mining and uranium ore-processing facilities in the State. The resolution reinforces long-standing community opposition to uranium extraction in the South West Khasi Hills.

About Uranium Mining and Processing in Meghalaya:

What It Is?

• Uranium mining involves the extraction of uranium-bearing ores, followed by crushing, processing and chemical treatment to recover uranium concentrate for use in the nuclear fuel cycle.
• Meghalaya possesses significant high-grade uranium deposits, particularly around Domiasiat, Lostoin, Mawthabah and Wahkaji in the South West Khasi Hills region.

Key Features of Uranium Mining in Meghalaya:

• Large Uranium Resources: Meghalaya has an estimated 9.22 million tonnes of uranium deposits, accounting for about 16% of India’s total reserves, according to the source.
• Exploration since 1993: The Atomic Minerals Directorate began exploratory drilling in 1993, but sustained community protests led to the suspension of operations.
• UCIL Exploration Proposal: In 2009, the State permitted the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to undertake exploratory activities across 422 hectares; the permission was revoked in 2016 after protests.
• Community-Controlled Land: Meghalaya’s distinctive land-tenure system involves substantial community, clan and private ownership protected by customary practices and the Sixth Schedule.
• Judicial Backing for Land Rights: The resolution cited the Supreme Court’s 2019 judgment in State of Meghalaya vs. All Dimasa Students’ Union, recognising private and community landowners’ rights over the surface and minerals beneath their land.

Implications:

• Restricting domestic uranium extraction could affect efforts to expand indigenous supplies for India’s nuclear energy programme.
• Local opposition reflects fears regarding radioactive contamination, mining waste and potential impacts on water, soil and public health.
• The issue highlights tensions between strategic mineral extraction and constitutionally protected customary land rights in tribal regions.
• Uranium’s strategic importance alongside Meghalaya’s special constitutional framework creates questions of federalism, resource governance and local consent.

Relevance in UPSC Examination:

• GS Paper II: Federalism, Sixth Schedule, tribal rights, Centre-State relations, constitutional protection of indigenous communities.
• GS Paper III: Energy security, nuclear energy, mineral resources, environmental impacts of mining, sustainable development and strategic resources.
• Essay: Development versus environment, community rights over natural resources, energy security and sustainable development.