Kerala Opposes Centre’s Offshore Atomic Mining Rules

The Indian government has clarified that offshore atomic mineral mining rights are restricted to state entities, but Kerala protests the lack of consultation, citing environmental and federal concerns.

On 14 July 2025, the Ministry of Mines notified the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025, restricting uranium and thorium mining to government entities under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. The Centre refuted claims of private sector involvement, calling media reports misleading. The rules, developed with the Department of Atomic Energy, aim to regulate atomic mineral exploration in India’s offshore regions, ensuring national security and compliance with legislative mandates.

Kerala’s government, however, has strongly opposed the rules, arguing that the Centre failed to consult the state despite its mineral-rich coastline. The state fears environmental damage to marine ecosystems, impacts on public sector enterprises like Indian Rare Earths Limited, and threats to fishermen’s livelihoods. The dispute highlights tensions over federal principles, with Kerala asserting that the unilateral move violates constitutional rights. Deep-sea mining globally raises concerns about biodiversity loss, as seen in international debates over seabed exploitation.

The rules follow amendments to the 2002 Act in 2023, which limit licences to government companies. Kerala’s objections echo protests in Chhattisgarh over land rights, reflecting broader state-Centre conflicts. The state’s ecologically sensitive coastline, home to thorium-rich monazite, faces risks from mining activities, potentially disrupting fishing communities and coastal ecosystems. Kerala’s industries ministry has called for greater transparency and state involvement in decision-making.

Public sentiment, as seen on X, reflects concerns about foreign entities accessing India’s resources, though these claims remain unverified. The Centre’s emphasis on state control aims to address such fears, but Kerala demands a role in shaping mining policies. Environmental groups warn that offshore mining could exacerbate climate-driven coastal vulnerabilities, urging stricter regulations and impact assessments.

In conclusion, while the Centre’s rules aim to secure atomic mineral mining under government control, Kerala’s protests underscore the need for cooperative federalism. Balancing resource extraction with environmental and social concerns is critical to resolving this dispute and ensuring sustainable development.

Source: Outlook Business