Meghalaya Assembly passes resolution against uranium mining, processing

Guwahati: In major development Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution opposing uranium mining and the establishment of any processing facility in the state.

The opposition supported the government on this resolution which was tabled by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

Sangma said land in Meghalaya is governed by a distinctive constitutional and customary framework, with community, clan and individual ownership protected under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.


He said deposits have been identified in areas including Domiasiat, Wahkyn and Nongstoin. However, proposed mining activities have faced sustained opposition from local communities, traditional institutions, student organisations and civil society groups over concerns relating to health, environmental damage and displacement.

The Chief Minister said resolution was intended to formally record Meghalaya's opposition to uranium extraction and processing. The government, he said, would communicate the decision of the House to the Centre.

Earlier the Department of Atomic Energy has formulated a detailed mining plan.

Sources in Meghalaya government said that the state has uranium oxide reserve, estimated to be about 9,500 tonnes.