Tag: Critical Minerals for Energy UPSC

Uranium is a critical mineral for India’s energy security and nuclear program. Recent protests in Meghalaya over uranium mining have reignited debates on environmental risks, tribal rights, and national security. This article covers uranium deposits in India, the Meghalaya unrest, issues, global comparison, and UPSC relevance for both Prelims and Mains. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link Uranium Unrest: Uranium Deposits in India Why in News? Protests and debates have intensified around uranium mining in Meghalaya, especially the Domiasiat and Wahkaji deposits. The Union Ministry of Mines exempted uranium (being a critical and strategic mineral) from mandatory public consultation and environmental hearings, sparking opposition from tribal groups. This raised concerns over erosion of tribal autonomy, ecological risks, and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule. The issue is also linked to India’s push for energy security and reducing dependence on foreign uranium imports. About Uranium Uranium is a radioactive heavy metal, naturally present in rocks and soils. It is primarily used in the form of Uranium-235 isotope as fuel in nuclear reactors. Globally, uranium is considered a strategic and critical mineral, as it underpins energy generation, nuclear deterrence, and medical research. Key Points Usage Fuel in nuclear power plants. Production of isotopes for cancer treatment and medical imaging. Critical for defense applications like nuclear submarines and deterrent weapons. Strategic Value for India Supports the three-stage nuclear power program (Uranium → Plutonium → Thorium). Strengthens India’s nuclear deterrence against adversaries. Reduces dependence on fossil fuels, aligning with climate commitments. Reserves in India India’s reserves are modest and often of low-grade quality, requiring advanced processing. Domestic production does not meet total demand, leading to dependence on imports. Imports Major sources: Kazakhstan, Canada, Australia, Namibia. India signed civil nuclear agreements after the 2008 Indo-US Civil Nuclear Deal and NSG waiver, which enabled uranium imports. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link Major Deposits in India Jharkhand: Singhbhum-Thakurani belt (Jaduguda, Narwapahar, Bhatin). Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Tummalapalle (Kadapa, one of the largest low-grade reserves), Lambapur-Peddagattu (Nalgonda). Meghalaya: Domiasiat and Wahkaji (West Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills). Rajasthan: Rohil (Sikar). Karnataka: Gogi belt (Gulbarga). Uranium Mining in Meghalaya – The Unrest Deposits: Domiasiat (Kylleng-Pyndemsohiong-Mawthabah) and Wahkaji are among the most promising sandstone-type uranium reserves. Exemptions from Consultation: Public hearings and Gram Sabha consultations bypassed, citing uranium’s strategic nature. This undermines democratic safeguards and the autonomy of tribal institutions. Constitutional Concerns: Violates protections under the Sixth Schedule, which grants autonomy to tribal councils in Meghalaya. Erodes community consent rights. Environmental & Health Issues: Radiation exposure risks for miners and nearby villagers. Groundwater contamination, ecological damage in a fragile biodiversity hotspot. Long-term health risks (cancers, genetic disorders). Local Resistance: Tribal communities oppose mining citing livelihood disruption, loss of forest rights, and cultural erosion. Jharkhand Parallel: Singhbhum mining (UCIL) faced similar opposition due to radiation-linked health issues and displacement. Issues & Concerns Tribal Rights vs. National Interest: Conflict between energy security and indigenous autonomy. Opaque Procedures: Executive orders replacing legislative debate and scrutiny. Environmental Fragility: Northeast India is an ecologically sensitive zone, prone to biodiversity loss and seismic activity. Health Risks: Chronic exposure to radiation can cause long-term public health crises. National Security Dimension: Uranium critical for nuclear deterrence, making the state reluctant to abandon exploration. Comparison: India vs. World Uranium Reserves India Limited reserves, mostly low-grade ore. Scattered across Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Karnataka. Insufficient to meet full demand → dependence on imports. World Leaders Australia: World’s largest reserves (Olympic Dam, Ranger). Kazakhstan: Largest producer; sandstone-type deposits, low-cost extraction. Canada: Athabasca Basin, world’s highest-grade uranium. Namibia & Niger: Important exporters for global supply. Observation: India’s uranium availability is quantity and quality constrained, unlike countries with vast high-grade deposits. Join Telegram :Join our Telegram group to get instant alerts and study materials on current affairs and important topics: Link Way Forward Legal Safeguards: Uphold Sixth Schedule protections, respect Gram Sabha rights. Avoid bypassing EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) processes. Dialogue and Consent: Build trust through Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of local communities. Share mining benefits via rehabilitation, compensation, and development schemes. Environmental Sustainability: Independent scientific assessments before mining. Strict monitoring of radiation safety standards. Strategic Alternatives: Explore uranium deposits in less fragile ecological zones. Accelerate thorium-based nuclear energy research (India has abundant thorium). Diversify energy basket with renewables to reduce uranium dependence. 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Tag: Critical Minerals for Energy UPSC

Uranium Deposits in India: Meghalaya Mining Issue, Global Comparison & UPSC Notes

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