The Union Ministry of Mines has annulled the auction of the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mineral block in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai district. This decision was made after Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy met with Ambalakarars, traditional community leaders from Madurai, who expressed concerns that the proposed mining area includes the Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site and several cultural heritage locations.
The Ministry emphasized that, after detailed deliberations and considering the importance of the biodiversity heritage site, the government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is committed to protecting traditional rights. Consequently, it was decided to annul the auction of the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mineral block.
This decision follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on December 9, 2024, which urged the Union government to cancel the tungsten mining rights granted to Hindustan Zinc Limited. The resolution also requested that the Ministry of Mines refrain from granting mining licenses without the permission of state governments.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin welcomed the annulment, stating that the Union government has respected the sentiments of the people and the resolve of the state government. He also emphasized that future mining notifications should not proceed without the state’s consent.
