The Mines Ministry clarified that Tamil Nadu’s input was considered before auctioning the Nayakkarpatti tungsten block. No objections were received from any source, including the state. This statement follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the mining rights award in Madurai district. Stalin emphasised the state’s refusal to permit mining due to biodiversity concerns and public opposition.

Tungsten Block Auction Details

The Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block, spanning over 20.16 square kilometres, was proposed for auction in February 2024. The Mines Ministry stated that Tamil Nadu had informed them about unavailable land schedule details. Additionally, a granite quarry lease covering 47.37 hectares in Aritapatti Village was granted to TAMIN, a State PSU, in September 2008 for 30 years. TAMIN later submitted a surrender proposal for this lease.

Biodiversity Heritage Site Notification

Tamil Nadu’s Environment, Climate Change, and Forest Department notified specific areas in Aritapatti and Meenakshipuram villages as a Biodiversity Heritage Site. Of the total 20.16 square kilometres, only 1.93 square kilometres within these villages are designated as such. Hindustan Zinc Ltd emerged as the preferred bidder for the block on November 7.

Exploration and Mining Guidelines

The Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block is auctioned as a composite licence block, requiring further exploration before granting a mining lease. Exploration in forest areas follows MoEF&CC guidelines, excluding biodiversity sites. Before granting a mining lease, necessary forest and environmental clearances must be obtained per norms. Areas not approved by MoEF&CC are excluded from mining leases.

Economic development must align with preserving archaeological, cultural, and natural heritage. The norms set by MoEF&CC and other agencies ensure this balance and will apply to the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block. The block includes Kavattayampatty, Ettimangalam, A Vallalapatty, Arittapatty, Kidaripatty, and Narasingampatty villages.

Arittapatti is a notified biodiversity heritage site known for archaeological monuments like cave temples and Jain symbols. Stalin warned that mining could irreparably damage these sites. Despite this concern, no communication opposing the auction was received from any quarter until the auction results were declared.

The Ministry reiterated that no request was made by the state government to halt the auction process or remove the block from consideration. They emphasised that all necessary guidelines and clearances would be adhered to before any mining activity commences in the area.