Madurai's Fight Against Tungsten Mining

Thousands of farmers and villagers led a 25-kms march from Melur taluk to Madurai against a new Tungsten mining project. The people believe that mining could destroy the rich biodiversity and culture in that region. The protest raised an important question: Can technological advancements and nature balance each other?

Tungsten

Tungsten is a rare metal which has high strength and heat resistance. Its important physical property is its high melting point compared to all other metals–3,422°C!. Hence Tungsten is valuable to many industries because of its properties.

Tungsten uses:

Tools and Machines: Tungsten is used in cutting tools due to its hardness property.
Electronics: It can be found in lightbulb filaments and X-ray machines.
Defense and Aerospace: Military equipment, missiles, and aircraft use tungsten for its durability.
Energy and Green Tech: It’s a key material in wind turbines and advanced energy systems.
Medical Equipment: Tungsten helps in imaging devices and shielding against radiation.

Tungsten in India

India has some tungsten reserves in some states in India like Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. But, still our country imports tungsten to meet the needs. Globally, China is the largest producer followed by Russia, Austria, and Bolivia.

Why People Are Angry in Madurai

Madurai is in the spotlight because the government decided to allow tungsten mining in the region. Here’s what happened:

In November 2024, the Union Ministry of Mines gave a mining license to Hindustan Zinc Limited for the Nayakkarpatti tungsten block in Madurai.

This mining area overlaps with a biodiversity heritage site in Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram.
The biodiversity site is home to unique plants, animals, ancient temples, and Jain monuments.

Why This is a Big Problem

Environmental Damage: Mining could destroy plants, animals, and water sources like the Periyar canal.
Cultural Loss: Locals fear that important heritage structures could be damaged.
Farmers’ Worries: Farmers in this region are worried about losing their cultivation lands and their houses. So, thousands of farmers and villagers joined the protests, requesting the government to stop this project.

The Fight Against the Project

Environmental Concerns

The mining could release harmful chemicals like arsenic and cadmium, polluting water and soil.
It could lead to loss of habitat for rare animals and plants.
Harmful elements might even enter the food chain, affecting human health.

What the People Say

Groups like Poovulagin Nanbargal and local farmers are strongly opposing the project. Activists also worry about Hindustan Zinc Limited’s track record. They point to the company’s past environmental issues, like the pollution caused by its copper smelter in Thoothukudi. For locals, the project poses a serious threat to their culture and livelihoods.

The protesters demand for cancellation for two reasons

Impact on biodiversity
Proximity of the site to ancient megalithic structures

“Protesters argue this project could cause irreparable damage to their environment and culture."

Government Reactions

Tamil Nadu Government’s Stand

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, has taken a firm stance against the mining project. He even promised in the Assembly that as long as he is in this position, he won't allow mining in Madurai. The state government says it had informed the Union government about the area’s ecological value earlier.

Union Government’s Response

The Union Ministry of Mines, however, says it didn’t receive any objections when the land was auctioned. This has created a blame game between state and central leaders.

A New Twist in the Story

Recently, the Union government asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to recheck the mining site’s boundaries. They want the area to be redefined so the biodiversity zones are excluded. This decision gives hope to activists and locals who have been protesting against the project.

Conclusion

Madurai’s tungsten mining fight highlights a bigger debate: Should we prioritize growth or protect nature? Tungsten is essential for modern industries, but not at the cost of destroying our environment and heritage. The final decision in this controversy could set an example for how India handles such conflicts in the future. Hopefully, the government can find a solution that respects both progress and preservation.

With inputs from reuters
Image Source: Multiple agencies

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Ashwini Devi is a versatile content writer with expertise in SEO, creative, and professional writing across niches like technology, health, and travel. With a strong background in academic writing and brand development, Ashwini excels in crafting impactful content, managing social media, and creating effective strategies to boost engagement and growth.