Protests Against Centre's Permission for Vedanta-Hindustan Zinc to Mine Tungsten in Madurai
Protests have erupted in Tamil Nadu following the Union Government’s decision to permit Vedanta’s subsidiary, Hindustan Zinc Ltd, to mine tungsten in the ecologically sensitive region of Nayakkarpatti, Madurai. The move has drawn severe criticism from villagers, environmentalists, and political leaders, citing potential harm to the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The mining site spans over 2,015 hectares (5,000 acres) near Arittapatti, Tamil Nadu’s first notified Biodiversity Heritage Site. Known for its unique landscape of rocky granite hillocks, Arittapatti serves as a watershed supporting 72 lakes, 200 natural spring pools, and three check dams. The proposed project is just 1.5 km from Azhagar Malai, a site of significant natural and cultural importance, housing ancient Tamil inscriptions, megalithic sites, Jain settlements, and Sangam-era stone pavements.
Local activists and villagers warn that mining in this area would irreversibly damage the fragile ecosystem, displace communities, and threaten Tamil Nadu’s ancient heritage.
I strongly condemn the Union Government for permitting Vedanta-Hindustan Zinc to mine tungsten in Nayakkarpatti, Madurai. This move ignores Vedanta’s history of environmental destruction and human suffering, as seen in Thoothukudi’s Sterlite tragedy.
Tungsten mining risks…
— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) November 20, 2024
DMK MP Kanimozhi strongly criticised the decision, calling it an affront to local communities and the environment. Referring to Vedanta’s controversial history, including the 2018 Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi, Kanimozhi stated, “This move ignores Vedanta’s history of environmental destruction and human suffering. Tungsten mining risks devastating ecosystems, displacing communities, and violating people’s rights. The government must respect the voices of the people and revoke this decision immediately.”
CPI(M) MP Su Venkatesan also led protests, highlighting the risks to Arittapatti’s biodiversity and cultural sites. He noted that the region’s rich history, including ancient temples and Sangam-era artifacts, could be lost if mining proceeds.
Villagers from Arittapatti, Melur, and neighboring areas have rallied against the project, fearing the destruction of their natural resources and livelihoods. Protests have focused on the project’s proximity to vital water sources and historical sites, arguing that the ecological and cultural costs far outweigh any potential economic gains.
The controversy has rekindled memories of Vedanta’s Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi, which was shut down in 2018 following widespread allegations of pollution. Activists argue that the company’s track record raises serious concerns about its ability to conduct environmentally responsible mining.
