In Madurai, mining for tungsten and trouble

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Background of the Protest

• Women in Kesampatti village, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, protest through kummi, a traditional folk dance, against proposed tungsten mining.
• Tungsten mining rights have been granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited by the Union Government.
• Protesters highlight that the land is tied to their art, culture, and religion.

Opposition to Mining

• Mining regions, including Arittapatti, are biodiversity heritage sites with historical and environmental significance.
• Key heritage includes Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, megalithic structures, and diverse wildlife (e.g., Indian pangolin, slender loris).
• Environmental concerns include potential contamination and ecological damage.

Government Stance and Legal Context

• The Tamil Nadu government opposes the project but has limited authority due to centralization under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• The Union Government cites national interest and geopolitical importance of tungsten, a critical mineral for renewable energy and defense industries.

Community and Expert Concerns

• Activists and villagers demand the exclusion of heritage sites and farmland from mining zones.
• Concerns about health risks, citing Chinese studies linking tungsten mining to elevated soil and water contamination levels.
• Historical instances like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy are cited as warnings of potential neglect.

Political Dynamics

• Local and national political parties express varied opposition or blame shifting.
• Efforts include petitions, Gram Sabha resolutions, and public protests

Conclusion

• This conflict encapsulates the clash between environmental conservation, community rights, and the growing demand for critical minerals in global markets.

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