22.09.2025

Uranium

Context

The uranium mining debate in Meghalaya pits India's energy needs against indigenous tribal rights, with recent policy changes sparking Khasi protests over environmental and constitutional concerns.

Uranium: Uses and Refinement

Uranium is a dual-use resource, capable of powering nuclear reactors for clean energy or being refined for nuclear weapons.
 Key Points:

• Forms of Uranium:
   
  • Natural uranium is composed of 99% non-fissile Uranium-238 and only 0.7% fissile Uranium-235, which is essential for chain reactions.
     
• Enrichment Levels:
   
  • 3%–20% U-235: Required for nuclear power reactors.
     
  • ~90% U-235: Needed for nuclear weapons.
     
• Energy Context:
   
  • Currently, over 60% of India’s electricity comes from coal-based thermal plants, which generate high carbon emissions.
     
  • Nuclear energy, using uranium, is seen as a cleaner alternative to meet India’s climate goals and rising energy demand.
     

Global and Indian Reserves

Uranium availability is a global strategic concern, and India has limited reserves compared to other nations.
 Key Details:

• Global Reserves (2023):
   
  1. Kazakhstan – largest producer, accounting for ~40% of global supply.
      
  2. Namibia.
      
  3. Canada – high-grade deposits in the Athabasca Basin.
      
  4. Australia – one of the largest reserve holders.
      
• India’s Reserves: Found in Jharkhand, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Meghalaya, but remain limited. India largely depends on imports from Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia, and Russia.
   
• Meghalaya Specific Sites: Uranium deposits are identified in Domiasiat and Wahkaji, proposed for mining development.
   

The Conflict in Meghalaya

Plans for uranium extraction in Meghalaya have sparked strong opposition from Khasi tribal communities.
 Concerns:

• Displacement and Health Risks: Locals fear radiation exposure, loss of livelihood, and inadequate rehabilitation measures.
   
• Historical Precedent: Singhbhum in Jharkhand witnessed radiation leaks, environmental degradation, and long-term protests due to uranium mining.
   
• Constitutional Safeguards:
   
  • Meghalaya falls under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, ensuring autonomous governance through the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
     
  • Lack of consultation is seen as a violation of tribal autonomy and rights.
     
• Catalyst for Protests: The Union Environment Ministry’s Office Memorandum (OM) removed the mandatory requirement for public consultation in uranium mining, intensifying unrest.
   

Strategic and Developmental Importance

Despite opposition, the central government views uranium mining in Meghalaya as crucial for India’s energy and security interests.
 Key Aspects:

• Energy Security: Uranium mining could reduce reliance on imports and strengthen India’s nuclear energy program.
   
• Strategic Value: Enhances India’s nuclear independence amid geopolitical tensions.
   
• Economic Potential: Mining could generate local jobs and infrastructure, though the benefits remain disputed by tribal groups.
   

Environmental and Social Concerns

The ecological and cultural costs of uranium mining are central to the protests.
 Issues Raised:

• Biodiversity Loss: Mining threatens Meghalaya’s fragile ecosystems, rich in forests and unique species.
   
• Health Hazards: Radiation exposure risks for miners and nearby communities.
   
• Tribal Rights: Khasi protests emphasize that mining violates their land ownership, cultural identity, and constitutional protections.
   
• Legal Precedents: The Niyamgiri judgment (2013) upheld tribal Gram Sabha rights over land, cited as a precedent for Meghalaya’s case.
   

Way Forward

Balancing energy security with constitutional and ecological responsibilities requires careful policy reforms.
 Recommendations:

• Withdraw the OM: Reinstate public consultation as a mandatory part of mining approvals.
   
• Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC): Ensure tribal communities are adequately informed and consulted before project clearance.
   
• Investment in Renewables: Expand solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependency on uranium.
   
• Legal Redressal: Allow affected communities to approach courts, invoking the Fifth and Sixth Schedule protections.
   
• Rehabilitation Clarity: Provide transparent, detailed rehabilitation and compensation plans for displaced communities.
   

Conclusion

The uranium conflict in Meghalaya underscores the tension between India's nuclear goals and indigenous tribal rights. Balancing cleaner energy benefits with environmental protection and tribal safeguards under the Sixth Schedule is essential for a responsible resolution.