Industries Minister P Rajeev accused the Centre of ignoring the concerns of coastal states while framing rules that directly affect their coastline and livelihoods.
Published Aug 04, 2025 | 9:50 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 04, 2025 | 9:50 PM
The push for offshore mining is part of the Centre’s broader plan to boost energy security.
Synopsis: The Kerala government has opposed the Union government’s Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025, citing serious threats to the State’s coastline, marine ecosystem and fisherfolk’s livelihoods. Industries Minister P Rajeev demanded the withdrawal of the rules, saying they allow atomic mineral mining in sensitive maritime zones under exclusive Union authority.
The Kerala government has strongly opposed the Union government’s newly notified rules allowing the mining of nuclear minerals from India’s offshore territories, including the Arabian Sea along the Kerala coast.
Industries Minister P Rajeev has raised serious concerns over the environmental, economic and security implications of the rules, demanding their immediate withdrawal.
The Union Ministry of Mines, in consultation with the Department of Atomic Energy, notified the Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Right Rules, 2025, in the third week of July.
These rules fall under the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, which came into effect in 2010 but had so far not led to any offshore mining activity.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Alliance government in Kerala fears that offshore mining under the new rules could cause ecological damage, loss of livelihoods and pose risks to national security.
The rules aim to regulate reconnaissance, exploration and production of atomic minerals – such as uranium, thorium and other strategic radioactive elements – within India’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Key provisions include:
Industries Minister P Rajeev accused the Centre of ignoring the concerns of coastal states while framing rules that directly affect their coastline and livelihoods. He said the new rules, if implemented, would:
“Allowing private or foreign entities, even if nominated by the Centre, to mine atomic minerals like uranium and thorium from our maritime area is a direct threat to national security,” the minister warned.
Another major objection from the state is that the Centre has centralised all control, leaving no role for states in granting licences or protecting coastal interests.
“This is a denial of the state’s constitutional rights,” Rajeev said, adding that mineral-rich beach sands in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Odisha should be preserved for local and strategic purposes.
The push for offshore mining is part of the Centre’s broader plan to boost energy security and reduce import dependence.
In 2023, the government amended the OAMDR Act to introduce provisions such as:
However, for atomic minerals, the Centre has clarified that mining rights will remain limited to government entities due to the strategic nature of the resources.
Despite these safeguards, Kerala remains unconvinced, particularly over the possibility of deep-sea mining beyond 200 metres, which experts warn could severely disrupt marine life and biodiversity.
The South First had earlier reported on the state’s strong resistance to offshore mining.
For Kerala’s vast fishing community, already struggling with climate change and declining fish stocks, the move could be a tipping point.
Fisherfolk fear a permanent loss of livelihoods and irreversible ecological damage.
In January 2025, coastal communities had already voiced strong opposition when the Centre first pushed for e-auctioning offshore mineral blocks.
With the notification of the 2025 atomic mineral rules, the protests have intensified.
Minister P Rajeev called the Centre’s move “unilateral and ill-timed,” adding that Kerala will continue its protest to safeguard marine resources, fisherfolk’s livelihoods, public sector interests and national security.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
