Kerala’s coastline, along with parts of Odisha and Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich deposits of beach sand minerals that contain thorium
| Photo Credit:
K Ragesh
The Kerala government has opposed the Centre’s decision to allow private sector participation in offshore atomic minerals mining, saying that it would severely impact the marine ecosystem, livelihoods of coastal communities and jeopardise national security.
Industries Minister P Rajeeve has sought the Centre’s withdrawal of the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Rules 2025, which includes a provision to grant permission to the private sector to conduct mining and explore nuclear minerals like thorium and uranium in India’s EEZ.
This is a unilateral move by the Centre. Despite the fact that atomic mineral-rich seabeds lie off Kerala’s coast, no consultation was held with the State. It is a clear violation of federal principles and an encroachment on constitutional rights, the minister said in a statement.
Objections bypassed
Kerala’s coastline, along with parts of Odisha and Tamil Nadu, is known for its rich deposits of beach sand minerals that contain thorium — crucial for India’s nuclear energy ambitions. The minister said the rules will disproportionately impact Kerala, home to public sector undertakings involved in beach sand mineral processing.
The Minister also cited environmental damage that deep-sea mining can cause. Offshore atomic minerals mining will severely disrupt fragile marine habitats, destroy fish stocks, and collapse food chains, the minister said. It will directly affect the livelihoods of lakhs of traditional fishers, who depend on these waters.
The Centre ignored Kerala’s repeated objections while moving forward with plans to permit exploration and mining in areas adjacent to the State’s maritime boundaries, he added.
Published on August 5, 2025
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