New Uranium Mining Projects - Meghalaya, India 
(last updated 20 Oct 2008)
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Kylleng-Pyndemsohiong-Mawthabah (formerly Domiasiat)
Assam, Meghalaya state governments clash over potential uranium discovery in border area
The potential discovery of uranium in a remote village, bereft of roads and electricity, inside the dense forests of the Assam-Meghalaya border, has sparked a major border row between the two states.
The contentious village is just 97 km from Guwahati and predominately populated by Nepali, Garo and Khasi people.
While the Khasis are in favour of being with Meghalaya, the Nepalis and Garos want to be with Assam.
(UNI June 2, 2008)
Australia to invest in uranium mining in Meghalaya
Australia is keen to invest in Meghalaya for uranium mining operations and share the technologies for safe mining, Australian High Commissioner to India John Philip McCarthy said in Shillong.
(Zee News Limited May 21, 2007)
(formerly Domiasiat project)
> View deposit info
NGO report finds loopholes in EIA report on uranium mining project in Meghalaya
Researchers of the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) 
have said that the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed uranium mining project in Meghalaya did not address the environment and health concerns adequately.
The sixth environment report of the CSE, which was released here today, pointed out that the EIA report completely disregarded the severe impact of mining run-off, tailing ponds and the waste disposal sites during monsoons.
"The containment and management plan proposed by the EIA is inadequate as the study was not done during the monsoon period, a season that sees the run-off of radioactive particles and other wastes," Chandra Bhushan, associate director of CSE, said while releasing the report.
Bhushan said the proposal of open stockpile of 6000 tonne of uranium ore at the project site was not acceptable, and it should be a closed one.
"The EIA report did not mention the tailing management and was also silent on the effluent treatment plant," he said, quoting the CSE report titled 'Rich Land, Poor People: Is Sustainable Mining Possible.'
(Zee News 20 Oct 2008)
India invests in development of infrastructure around proposed uranium mining site in Meghalaya
In an effort to woo the anti-uranium mining groups in Meghalaya, especially after the Central delegation's recent failure to convince the NGOs and political parties for the UCIL project, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8 billion [US$ 182 million] for development of infrastructure around the mining sites in West Khasi Hills.
The amount has been sanctioned for setting up of five rural health centres, one Kendriya Vidyalaya (Central government school for children of employees of India's central government), a polytechnic and for water supply connections in the area.
(The Shillong Times 27 Aug. 2008)
Meghalaya Government forms expert panel on uranium mining
The State Government has constituted an expert committee on health to study the implications of uranium mining by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) in Kylleng-Pyndeng-Sohiong in West Khasi Hills district of the state.
The Expert Committee, comprising five medical doctors specialised in different areas of medicines will be headed by Dr R Nongrum, a senior surgeon in Shillong Civil Hospital.
"These government doctors will carry out a study to find out the implications of uranium mining," Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Adviser Pariong told UNI.
Dr Pariong said the Health department officials would go to Domasiat where some of the local people were involved in exploration of uranium with the officials of the Atomic Mineral Division (AMD) in 1991.
"These health officials will find out the status of health of the local people who were involved in the exploration work and report to the committee," he said.
The State Health department officials will also visit Jadugoda to study the implication of mining on the local people there. (UNI)
(The Shillong Times Aug. 6, 2008)
Three expert groups to assess health effects of proposed uranium mine in Domiasiat
An all-party committee on uranium mining has decided to invite three expert groups to study the effects of radiation emitted from mining of the ore in Domiasiat, West Khasi Hills.
The decision was taken in Shillong on July 18, 2008, at the first meeting of the committee constituted by the NCP-UDP led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) coalition government. The Congress which had earlier refused to be part of the panel also attended the sitting for evolving a consensus on uranium mining.
The three expert groups would study and verify the radiation in the State (of Meghalaya) and Jharkhand, where mining of uranium ore is going on.
Meghalaya Chief Minister and chairman of the committee Donkupar Roy told reporters soon after the meeting that the committee has decided to invite independent group of experts from the State and outside to find out facts on radiation. He said besides the independent experts from the Health department would also be involved.
Roy said doctors from the State would be sent to Jharkhand to find out the health status of the people who have been residing in and around the mining areas. However, Roy said that the government is yet to identify the experts.
He said that the committee will have a second sitting after the expert groups submit their findings.
(Assam Tribune July 21, 2008)
Traditional heads oppose uranium mining in Meghalaya
The Grassroots Democracy Advisory Council (GDAC) appealed to the people and the State Government not to allow uranium mining at any cost for the sake of the future generation while calling all the national and state political parties, who are yet to come out with their respective manifestoes on uranium mining, to specify in clear terms their stand on this serious matter.
The council comprises Ka Dorbar Ki Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep (Federation of 25 Khasi States), Ka Dorbar Ki Doloi and Council of Nokmas.
(The Shillong Times 9 Jan. 2008)
Khasi Students Union launches agitation against uranium mining project
The Khasi Students Union has decided to launch a three-day agitation to pressurise the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Government not to issue a no-objection certificate to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited to mine uranium and also against the Government's "hasty decision in handing over of power projects" to five private companies.
KSU would start its agitation on January 7 by marching towards the state secretariat, followed by a road blockade on January 8 and a general strike in East, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts on January 9, 2008.
(Indian Express Jan. 4, 2008)
Environmental clearance granted for uranium mine in Meghalaya
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has allowed Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to commence uranium mining in Meghalaya.
The ministry has given environmental clearance to set up the proposed Kylleng-Pyndengshohiong Uranium Mining and Processing Plant of the UCIL, official sources said.
The clearance has been given for an annual production capacity of 375,000 tonnes of uranium ore by opencast mechanised method and processing of 1500 tonnes per day of ore processing plant involving total land requirement of 351 ha at Mawthabahn in West Khasi Hills district.
The clearance is subject to implementation of certain conditions and environmental safeguards which has been intimated to the UCIL, sources added.
(The Economic Times Dec. 30, 2007)
Police kills five militants in Meghalaya
On Oct. 30, 2007, members of a Special Operations Team (SOT) of Meghalaya police killed five militants of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC). The militants allegedly had planned an attempt on the life of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member HS Shylla for being in favour of uranium mining in Meghalaya.
(The Shillong Times Oct. 31, 2007)
5-Night road blockade against uranium mining project in Meghalaya
The KSU-sponsored night road blockade started at 7 p.m. on June 19, 2007, in the city of Shillong. The blockade which covers East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi districts was called by the student body to press for the release of five of its activists including central organising secretary Daniel Khyriem who are being detained under Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA).
(The Shillong Times June 20, 2007)
Majority at public hearing says no to uranium mining
A majority of the people attending the public hearing on uranium mining at Nongbah Jynrin, West Khasi Hills on June 12, 2007, opposed the mining project.
West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Freeman Kharlyngdoh said that around 700 people attended the three-hour-long public hearing conducted by the Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB).
"A majority of the people from the area opposed the proposed uranium mining on the ground of health hazard while those who supported the project constitute only 25 percent," Mr Kharlyngdoh said adding that villagers from the vicinity of the project site were in support of uranium mining.
Stating that villagers from adjoining areas of Nongbah Jynrin like Umdohlun, Wahkaji and Phlangdiloin were vociferous in their opposition, Mr Kharlyngdoh said that the Seng Kynthei Phlangdiloin, Langrin Youth Welfare Association (LYWA) and Warsanlyngdoh-Nobosoh-phoh Youth Awakening Organisation (WNYAO) had launched massive campaign against the project.
(The Shillong Times June 13, 2007)
36h general strike against proposed public hearing on uranium mining
On June 11, 2007, 5 a.m., began a 36h general strike in Shillong, called by the Khasi Students Union (KSU) against the proposed Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board public hearing on uranium mining. (The Shillong Times 11 June 2007)
Road blockade against proposed public hearing on uranium mining
Traffic was stalled and normal life disturbed in the Meghalaya capital following the night road blockade organised by the Khasi Students Union (KSU).
As a result of the four-day road blockade, which began at 8 pm on June 6, 2007, vehicles went off the road and residents left for their homes early.
The KSU called the road blockade in protest against the proposed public hearing on uranium mining at Nongbah-Jynrin at Mawthabah, scheduled for June 12, 2007.
(The Telegraph June 8, 2007)
Public hearing scheduled on proposed Mawthabah uranium project
The Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board (MSPCB) will hold a public hearing on the proposed Mawthabah uranium project at Nongbah Jynrin on June 12, 2007.
The Environmental Public Hearing Committee headed by MSPCB Donkupar Horoo, which was constituted on May 4, 2007, would conduct the hearing and record the views, suggestions or objections put forward by the local bonafide residents of the area.
Further, the Committee has invited suggestions, comments and objections from local villagers and environmental organisations of the area within one month on the environmental aspects of the proposed project.
(The Shillong Times May 10, 2007)
Protestors prevent road construction work for proposed uranium mine in Meghalaya
On July 20, 2006, activists of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) and the Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) opposing uranium mining, chased away the labourers engaged in construction of a road from Wahkaji to Mawthabah.
(The Shillong Times 21 July 2006)
BARC report rules out health hazards from proposed uranium mining in Meghalaya
A Bhaba Atomic Research Centre (BARC) report has ruled out any impact on health by radiation due to proposed uranium mining in Meghalaya.
The BARC report, received by the state government recently, indicated that "at the estimated dose of 0.02 milli-sievert per year in public domain in the immediate vicinity attributable to the mining operation, no undesirable health impact is expected," state's Mining and Geology Minister Prestone Tyngsong told the assembly during question hour on June 27, 2006.
(PTI June 27, 2006)
District administration prohibits uranium debate "in order to maintain law and order"
The district administration has thrown spanner in the much-hyped debate between KHNAM (Ka Khun Hhynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, a political party backed by the Khasi Students' Union) president Paul Lyngdoh and KHADC (Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council) Chief Executive Member HS Shylla by prohibiting any such debate on uranium and related issues within its jurisdiction. The debate was to be held at Nongstoin on May 31, 2006, following a war of words between the KHADC chief and KHNAM supreme over the uranium mining.
According to West Khasi Hill Deputy Commissioner KL Tariang, the prevailing situation in West Khasi Hills is "not conducive" for such an event.
He said the permission for the proposed debate on the scheduled date was not given "in order to maintain law and order, besides ensuring peace and tranquillity in the entire district".
(The Shillong Times, 29 May 2006)
Meghalaya State government to form panel on uranium mining
"The Meghalaya government would form a committee with representatives from various sections of the society to decide on the vexed uranium mining issue," Chief Minister DD Lapang said May 25, 2006, reports PTI.
"The government will not go about in a haphazard manner (in deciding the uranium mining issue). A committee is to be formed to elicit views, sentiments, opinions and comments from all corners," he told reporters.
The committee would have representatives from Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), people of the deposit area, government officials and NGOs, Lapang said after a Cabinet meeting.
The matter (of deciding on the issue) has not come to the Cabinet as yet, he said, adding that keeping at bay possible health hazards from uranium mining would be the government's first priority. But the aspect of development would not be lost sight of.
(Assam Tribune May 27, 2006)
Opponents vow to block road construction to planned uranium mine site
On May 3, 2006, the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) decided to physically prevent the proposed laying of foundation stone of the new road from Wahkaji to Mawthabah by the Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar on May 9, 2006. KSU's hardened attitude comes close on the heels of receiving pleading notice from Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Mr HS Shylla, asking them not to mislead public on the issue.
"We welcome development, but we oppose the proposed construction of the road from Wahkaji to Mawthabah as it is meant for mining of uranium and not in the interest of general public of that area", KSU leader Mr Syiemiong said.
(The Shillong Times May 4, 2006)
The road which was financed by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) through the KHADC would be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 100 million (US$ 2.2 million). Already, Rs 9.6 million (US$ 0.21 million) had been released by UCIL to KHADC for the road project. The 20 kilometre road would connect Wahkaji with seven villages including Mawthabah.
(The Shillong Times May 5, 2006)
The foundation stone laying of the road to Wahkaji has been shelved with the Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Dr Anil Kakodkar expressing his inability to attend the programme slated for May 9, 2006.
(The Shillong Times May 7, 2006)
The visit of KHADC delegation led by its Chief Executive Member Mr HS Shylla to the mining areas of Wahkaji on May 9, 2006, came to an abrupt end when the West Khasi Hills district administration prevented them from taking the trip fearing violence between those people who welcome the uranium project and others who are against it.
(The Shillong Times May 10, 2006)
District Council clears proposed uranium mining at Domiasiat
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Mr HS Shylla said that the KHADC submitted its recommendation to Meghalaya Chief Minister DD Lapang on April 11, 2006, in favour of the proposed uranium project at Domiasiat-Mawthabah in West Khasi Hills. "It is in the interest of the people and the State as whole", the KHADC report said.
The Council is of the opinion that there is no harm in Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) in taking up the project however "it is up to the State government to allow the same", Mr Shylla said.
A 14-member team led by Mr Shylla visited the UCIL project at Jaduguda and interacted with the employees of the Corporation and found that those working there are possessing sound health. "We have even entered the mine and found it safe for all working there", he said.
Mr Shylla came hard on the anti-mining NGOs like the KSU and MPHRC saying that these organisations were misleading the people by creating fear psychosis about the uranium mining.
"The NGOs which are involved in anti-uranium campaign are anti-development and anti-national and they should be put behind bars", he said.
(The Shillong Times April 13, 2006)
Medical team finds no health effects from former uranium exploration at Domiasiat
A medical team visited Phangdilion village on December 13, 2005, and organised a health camp on the same day. At least 376 people including 169 males and 207 females in the age group of 0 to 80 years had check ups in the health camp so as to enable the officials to have a conclusive report on the health hazards that uranium mining could have caused. NGOs recently claimed that the waste piles left from exploration for uranium a few years ago had been affecting the general health of the people.
The team said that contrary to the claim of NGOs, there was no apparent affect of radiation on the general health of the people residing around the mining areas. "There was only one case of radio oncology strongly suggesting an advance carcinoma of the throat case, besides a few skin problems like scabies and seborrhoea dermatitis. There was no endemic of any particular disease, but the people were suffering from common ailments", the report said adding that infection of upper and lower respiratory tract and acid peptic diseases were prevalent, while essential hypertension, diabetes mellitus and chronic amoebasis were not detected.
The team had visited Phlangdiloin and checked patients from Pyndemsynia, Ryngkhiat, Nongmawmluh, Mawt-hemlang and Rangblang, all adjacent to the uranium mining areas. The report, however, said that the medical team could not cover Domiasiat village on the same day as the area was not easily accessible.
(The Shillong Times 21 Dec 2005)
District Council forms committee to study proposed uranium mining in Domiasiat
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has constituted a special committee to study the proposed uranium mining in Domiasiat, West Khasi Hills. According to Mr Hispreachering Son Shylla, Chief Executive Member, the committee would take views of the people residing within the vicinity of the mining areas.
The Committee will also seek the opinions of experts regarding the merits and demerits of uranium mining, Mr Shylla said adding that the committee would look into the national as well as International interest concerning uranium mining. The committee would submit its report within six months, he said.
(The Shillong Times 28 Sep 2005)
State government in favor of uranium mining at Domiasiat
Meghalaya Governor, Mr M M Jacob has said that the state government and the district council were in favour of uranium mining.
(The Shillong Times, Aug. 25, 2005)
Tribal council leader opposes uranium mining at Domiasiat
Tribal council leader Mr John F Kharshiing has condemned the stand of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), which is in favour of mining uranium even as he urged the people to stand united against the possibilities of uranium mining. In a statement issued in Shillong, the Chairman of Ka Dorbar Ki Nongsynshar ka Ri Hynniewtrep (Assembly of Hynniewtrep Traditional Rulers) said that the UCIL sponsored visit of members of the district council and traditional heads to Jaduguda is a farce.
According to Mr Kharshiing, the team members should have sought the opinion of an unbiased expert and not from employees of UCIL. He also urged the land-owners, villages and people to make a judicious decision as neither the UCIL nor the State Government has clarifed about the relocation and compensation of the affected families once the green signal is given.
(The Shillong Times, July 20, 2005)
District Council in favour of Domiasiat mining project after visit to Jaduguda
UCIL's Domiasiat proposal received a boost when the high-level team, which visited Jaduguda in Jharkhand to gather first hand knowledge on uranium mining, virtually gave its seal of approval allaying fear of ill effects. The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member Prestone Tynsong said the team did not witness ill effect of mining on human life, vegetations, animals there.
(The Shillong Times, July 14, 2005)
Activists seal off Domiasiat uranium mine project site
On April 12, 2005, the organizations fighting against setting up of the project erected a gate at Domiasiat in West Khasi Hills in order to check unauthorized entry into the area. The organizations - KSU, MPHRC, Dorbar Shnong of Domiasiat along with land owner Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin - who set up the gate warned people against passing through the gate to the area, identified for the proposed uranium mining project, without seeking prior permission from the land owner concerned.
Land owner Spillity Lyngdoh Langrin said that the gate was constructed as "a symbol of the people's vehement protest" against the proposed uranium mining project at Domiasiat, which she had been voicing against since 1990. Spillity Lyngdoh also said that no UCIL representative or official would be allowed to enter the area and go to the proposed project site without availing prior permission from her. The Dorbar Shnong (village council) of Domiasiat has decided to extend its full support to the land owner to erect the gate keeping in mind the serious concerns regarding health hazards voiced by certain quarters in view of the proposed uranium mining project in the area.
(The Shillong Times April 14, 2005)
Newly formed anti-uranium committee announces rally against Domiasiat uranium project
The newly-formed Co-Ordination Committee Against Uranium Mining (CCAUM) comprising 11 organizations including the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), Meghalaya People's Human Rights Council (MPHRC), Western Youth Welfare Organisation (WYWO), NADO, NAIDO, and Lai Lyngdoh Welfare Organization (LYWO) has decided to launch a movement in the entire Khasi and Jaintia Hills to prevent uranium mining at Domiasiat in West Khasi Hills.
The CCAUM, which was formed at a meeting held at Nongstoin on March 21, 2005, decided that the movement would be launched on April 6, 2005, by holding a public rally at Nongstoin to highlight negative impact of uranium mining on people living near the proposed uranium mining project. KSU president Samuel B Jyrwa said that the CCAUM had been formed in view of the State government's move to issue No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to carry out uranium mining at Domiasiat.
Meanwhile, the CCAUM has condemned the statement of Chief Minister DD Lapang made in the State Assembly recently that the government would grant permission to UCIL to carry out the project at Domiasiat. CCAUM chairman and president of the KSU West Khasi Hills Circle Stanley Kharbani said that majority of the people of the district, especially those of Domiasiat, were strongly against the proposed uranium mining project and have thus decided to extend full support to the movement. "The CCAUM was supported by many political leaders of West Khasi Hills including the HSPDP President and MLA from Nongstoin Hoping Stone Lyngdoh," Mr Kharbani claimed.
(The Shillong Times, 23 March 2005)
Domiasiat project renamed to Kylleng-Pyndemsohiong-Mawthabah uranium mining project
The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) has decided to change the name of the proposed uranium mining project in West Khasi Hills to Kylleng-Pyndemsohiong-Mawthabah Uranium Mining Project, instead of Domiasiat Uranium Mining Project. Official sources said that the name of the project had been changed after proper verification by the Atomic Minerals Division (AMD) and State Government revealed that there was no uranium deposit at the site of the present Domiasiat uranium mining project.
(Shillong Times Mar. 14, 2005)
District Council to seek White Paper on Domiasiat project
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has decided to seek a White Paper from Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) on the advantages and disadvantages of uranium mining at Domiasiat in West Khasi Hills district. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held in Shillong on March 7, 2005, between the KHADC officials and traditional heads of Nongstoin and Langrin.
(The Shillong Times, March 8, 2005)
Dec. 14/15, 2004, general strike against uranium mining at Domiasiat
On Dec. 14, 2004 at 7 p.m., a further general strike began against the uranium mining project at Domiasiat, among others. The strike was called by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU).
(Shillong Times Dec. 15, 2004)
Rally in favour of uranium mining at Domiasiat
On Nov. 9, 2004, the Langrin War-San Lyngdoh Development Organisation (LWLDO) held a big rally at Wahkaji village near Domiasiat attended by people of several villages. The rally decided to welcome the proposed uranium project while also urging the State Government to grant permission to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) to start the mining process. The organisation which comprised of Rangbah Shnongs and Sirdars (headmen) of these villages was in favour of allowing uranium mining in Domiasiat.
(Shillong Times Nov. 10, 2004)
UCIL official quits after threat from militants
UCIL's mining adviser CF Lyngdoh resigned following threat from suspected militants. "Two armed militants came to my house on September 15 last and asked me to resign by October 1 and I had to resign", Mr Lyngdoh told The Shillong Times. "One of them spoke in Khasi saying that for the good of the society, I should resign", Mr Lyngdoh said.
(Shillong Times Oct. 18, 2004)
Students' organizations support Oct. 5, 2004, general strike against uranium mining at Domiasiat
The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) supports the October 5, 2004 general strike, sponsored by the North East Students Organisation (NESO). The strike will focus on KSU's protest against uranium mining at Domiasiat.
(Shillong Times Sep. 29, 2004)
UCIL obtains land owners consent for uranium project in Domiasiat
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) has claimed that land owners in Meghalaya’s Domiasiat area have given their consent in principle for mining of the radioactive mineral, reports PTI.
UCIL chairman and managing director R Gupta said the consent of the land owners was a "step forward" for setting up UCIL project in Meghalaya’s West Khasi Hills district. He also expressed happiness that the local people were 'cooperating' with the UCIL. Land in tribal-dominated Meghalaya belongs to the people and for setting up of any project their consent was regarded crucial.
(Assam Tribune June 10, 2004)
Meghalaya NGOs opposed to uranium mining at Domiasiat
Three prominent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of Meghalaya have expressed strong opposition to the proposed mining of uranium at Domiasiat in the West Khasi Hills District of the State due to the apprehension of radiation-related health hazards.
Representatives of the Khasi Students' Union (KSU), Hynniewtrep Environment Status Preservation Organisation (HESPO) and the Meghalaya People's Human Rights Council (MPHRC), who had recently visited uranium mines at Jadugoda in Bihar, have alleged that mining of the yellow mineral has resulted in widespread health hazards in the vicinity of the mines.
The NGO representatives were part of a fact-finding team including Meghalaya Mining and Geology minister Deborah Marak, Labour minister Sayedullah Nongrum, besides other government officials, which was sent to Jadugoda by the state government.
(Assam Tribune Mar. 20, 2004)
On April 26, 2004, the three NGOs organised a protest march through the streets of Shillong on the occasion of 'World Anti-Uranium Day'. At this occasion, the Meghalaya Government has reiterated its stand that a decision on uranium mining at Domiasiat in the West Khasi Hills would be taken only after examining all aspects including health and safety. (Assam Tribune Apr. 27, 2004)
Meghalaya Government calls for studies on Domiasiat project
The Meghalaya Government has decided to urge the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to study the ecology of Domiasiat and submit a detailed report on the feasibility of carrying out uranium mining in the Domiasiat area of West Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. A separate team, comprising representatives of various NGOs would also be sent to Domiasiat by the State Department of Mining and Geology, Chief Minister D.D. Lapang said, adding the government would also take the feed-back provided by the NGOs into consideration before taking any decision on uranium mining.
(Assam Tribune Jan. 19, 2004)
UCIL to start mining at Domiasiat
The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) has decided to start uranium mining at Domiasiat in Meghalaya and all precautionary measures has been taken. This was stated by the Minister for Mines Ramesh Bais in the Indian Parliament on Dec. 10, 2003. "Various pre-project activities like preparation of Environment Impact Assessment (EIA)/Environment Management Plan (EMP) report, Detailed Project Report (DPR) have been initiated," Mr Bais said. An application for mining lease has also been submitted to the State Government, he added.
(Shillong Times Dec. 11, 2003)
> View RAJYA SABHA, Session 200, Unstarred Question No. 852
UCIL assures: uranium mining at Domiasiat not to start without local consent
Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) Ramendra Gupta has said that the proposed mining of uranium ore from Domiasiat in Meghalaya's West Khasi Hills district would not be started until the people of the area extend wholehearted cooperation to the project. "We will start the project only after we convince the people that the project is in their interest," Gupta said. "The project will only be started with public approval," he reiterated.
(Assam Tribune Aug. 26, 2003)
State Government to install committee on Domiasiat project
A high-level committee headed by Chief Minister D D Lapang will be constituted to examine all issues related to the proposed uranium mining project at Domiasiat. Informing this, Commissioner and Secretary of Mining and Geology department, S S Gupta said his department would soon submit a proposal to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) for setting up of the proposed high-level committee which would comprise some ministers and senior government officials. The committee would examine all issues related to the project including health issues and would make recommendations to the Cabinet for its approval.
Further, in case of any decision by the Government to grant mining lease to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), the committee would recommend the terms and conditions related to such lease.
Meanwhile, the UCIL chairman and managing director, R Gupta during his recent meeting with the state government clarified that the UCIL was ready to pay compensation to those land owners whose lands would be acquired for the project. Only a few families were required to be displaced and they would be provided jobs besides accommodation in UCIL quarters. The project would create 500 direct employment avenues and indirect employment was likely to exceed 5000.
Moreover, Mr Gupta informed the State Government that there was absolutely no health hazard posed by the proposed mining of uranium to the local villagers while he also asserted that not a single case of diseases from uranium mining had occurred at Jaduguda.
250 tonnes of uranium (U3O8) would be produced per year through open cast mining at Domiasiat.
(Shillong Times July 24, 2003)
More opposition to Domiasiat uranium mine project
The Meghalaya Peoples’ Human Rights Council (MPHRC) and the Hill State Peoples’ Democratic Party (HSPDP) have strongly opposed any move to carry out uranium mining at Domiasiat in the West Khasi Hills district on the ground that radiation from the mineral would pose health hazards, besides affecting the environment.
(Assam Tribune June 8, 2003)
Open-cast uranium mining in Meghalaya likely
"The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) will adopt the open-cast method of mining uranium at Domiasiat in the West Khasi Hills to ensure safety to the people and the environment."
(Assam Tribune June 4, 2003)
Key ally of ruling party opposes uranium exploration moves
On May, 20, 2003, Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance coalition, opposed the Government’s decision to begin extraction [means exploration] of uranium in the State saying it would cause sickness among the people, reports PTI. Uranium extraction would also cause radiation effects among the cattle, HSDP president HS Lyngdoh told PTI here. (Assam Tribune May 22, 2003)
After over a decade, investigation and drilling of uranium deposits by the Uranium Corporation of India (UCI) have resumed in Meghalaya, reports PTI. The UCI has conducted geo-physical survey in Domiasiat area of West Khasi hills and was now negotiating with the individuals. The State government was not involved in the process, Chief Secretary J Tayeng told reporters.
Process of excavation [means exploration] of the precious mineral had begun in Meghalaya in 1992 as Rs 450 crore [Rs 4.5 billion = US$ 96 million] were earmarked for the pilot project but it was reportedly abandoned due to protests from local people and village heads. (Assam Tribune May 23, 2003)
Tribal opposition blocks Domiasiat uranium project in northeast India
Opposition from the local Khasi tribe so far has prevented Uranium Corp of India Ltd (UCIL) from developing a commercial uranium mine at Domiasiat in the north-eastern province of Meghalaya.
The Khasi district council says it owns the land and the state government - or the federal authorities - cannot acquire it.
The district council has granted permission for UCIL to "conduct exploratory surveys" but not to undertake commercial mining.
One senior UCIL official said: "Every time we turn up at the uranium mines, the tribes people chase us with bows and arrows and swords."
"They call us the agents of death and threaten to kill us if we try to mine uranium."
(BBC News May 5, 2003)
Tribals oppose Domiasiat uranium project in northeast India
Uranium Corp of India Ltd (UCIL) has received permission to begin uranium mining in Domiasiat village in the province of Meghalaya. Paul Lyngdoh, leader of the tribal Khasi Student Union (KSU), said the students had appealed to the village headman to withdraw the order immediately. (Reuters, Nov. 27, 2000)
Domiasiat project functional in 4 - 5 years
The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) plans to have the Domiasiat uranium mine operational in 4 - 5 years. While UCIL initially planned open-pit mining, it now prefers the in-situ leaching technique for the exploitation of the deposit. (The Hindu, July 20, 1999)
30,000 to be displaced for Domiasiat uranium mine ?
The Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) has
proposed to acquire 10 square kilometers of land in the uranium
deposit areas of Domiasiat in Hima Langrin
of the West Khasi Hills (in the northeast of India). About
30,000 people are likely to be displaced and the UCIL is
promising to provide 85 percent of the jobs to residents in the
area. Some time before 1991, the Atomic Mineral Division of the
Department of Atomic Energy discovered uranium in the West Khasi
Hills. In the name of prospecting and taking samples, they
already took out vast quantities of ore running into hundreds of
tons. Now the Uranium Corporation of India has decided to
"properly" acquire the land and do what may be
considered "legalized destruction". It is said that
the deposit is the "largest, richest, near-surface and low-
cost sandstone-type uranium deposit discovered in India so
far". The ores are spread over a 10-square-kilometer area
in deposits varying from eight to 47 meters from the surface.
As part of their efforts to stop this assault on their
territory, people have also sent a letter to the Prime Minister.
The Department of Atomic Energy has been asked to explain, and
in its letter of reply, had the cheek to say that mining will
only help in removing the uranium which is the source of the
radiation in this area!
Source and Contact: Anumukti (India), Vol.9, No.4, Feb/March
1996, E-mail: anumukti@gmx.net
[Reprinted from WISE News Communique No.459, 4 Oct 1996]