India Allows Mining of Atomic, Critical Minerals in Aravalli Range Despite Conservation Concerns

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The Indian government's new definition of the Aravalli mountain range, accepted by the Supreme Court, has sparked widespread concerns over the potential for mining and land use changes in the region. However, the Union environment minister has clarified that the new definition will only apply to mining of critical and atomic minerals, which are essential for the country's economic development and energy transition. According to a technical committee report, the Aravalli range is rich in critical minerals such as tin, graphite, molybdenum, niobium, nickel, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are crucial for high-technology manufacturing and national security. The report also noted that the range is home to deep-seated minerals that have applications in various strategic projects. The new definition will not restrict mining projects for critical and atomic minerals, citing their strategic and defence significance and national security considerations. Environmentalists have expressed concerns that this is akin to an open license for mining in the region. The Union environment ministry has clarified that a narrowly tailored exception applies to atomic minerals, critical and strategic minerals, and minerals in Schedule VII of the MMDR Act, given national security and economic imperatives. However, all other safeguards will continue to apply. The Rajasthan government has identified areas with potential reserves of critical minerals, including Bhilwara, Udaipur, Alwar, Banswara, Ajmer, and others. The Union government has also launched a ₹34,300 crore National Critical Mineral Mission to secure supplies of critical minerals. The mining and refining of critical minerals have significant negative environmental impacts, and scaling up supply to meet increasing demand is at odds with stricter environmental regulation and broader social factors. The Indian government's decision to allow mining of critical and atomic minerals in the Aravalli range has raised concerns over the potential environmental and social impacts of this decision.