Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block Auctioned: Focus on sustainable mining

In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s critical mineral reserves, the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block in Tamil Nadu, covering 20.16 square kilometres, has been successfully auctioned to Hindustan Zinc Ltd.

The government has assured that stringent environmental safeguards will be implemented throughout the project, maintaining a balance between development and conservation.

The auction, finalised on November 7, 2024, follows amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

Revised in 2023, the Act empowers the Central Government to exclusively auction critical and strategic mineral blocks, enhancing India’s capacity to meet global mineral demands.

Concerns raised by the Tamil Nadu government regarding the ecological significance of parts of the block were addressed prior to the auction. A 1.93-square-kilometer area within the Aritapatti and Meenakshipuram villages has been designated as a Biodiversity Heritage Site and will remain untouched. Officials confirmed that mining and exploration are strictly prohibited in such protected zones, aligning with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) guidelines.

Additionally, forest and environmental clearances are mandatory before any mining lease is granted. These safeguards ensure that ecologically sensitive regions and cultural heritage sites are preserved, reinforcing the government’s commitment to sustainable development.

The Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block was auctioned as a composite license, requiring Hindustan Zinc to undertake detailed exploration to confirm the presence of mineral reserves. Only areas with verified deposits will qualify for mining leases, minimizing environmental disruption.

The auction process, initiated in February 2024, faced no objections or withdrawal requests from stakeholders, including the Tamil Nadu government. Officials praised the transparency and thoroughness of the procedure, highlighting the block’s potential to enhance India’s strategic mineral portfolio.

Government officials emphasised that the auction represents a thoughtful approach to mineral development. While the mining sector is pivotal to economic growth, preserving India’s natural and cultural heritage remains a priority. Strict adherence to MoEF&CC guidelines and other regulatory norms will ensure that the Nayakkarpatti Tungsten Block becomes a model for responsible mining.