Centre rejects reports on private entry into offshore uranium, thorium mining: 'Misleading and factually incorrect'

The Union government on Tuesday dismissed media reports suggesting it has opened up offshore mining of atomic minerals such as uranium and thorium to private players, calling the claims “misleading and factually incorrect.”

The clarification follows sharp criticism from the Kerala government, which alleged that the newly notified Offshore Areas Atomic Minerals Operating Rights Rules, 2025, allow private and potentially foreign entities to exploit radioactive mineral resources in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), bypassing state consultation.

The ministry clarified that the rules notified on July 14, 2025, do not allow private players to participate in the exploration or mining of atomic minerals in India’s offshore areas.

“The rules provide the procedure for the grant of operating rights for atomic mineral only to the Government, Government companies, or corporations,” it said.

The ministry referred to amendments made in 2023 to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, which explicitly restrict licences for atomic minerals to public entities, subject to conditions set by the central government.

The Kerala government, however, has strongly opposed the Centre’s move, calling it unilateral and a violation of federal principles.

“This is a unilateral move by the Centre. Despite the fact that atomic mineral-rich seabeds lie off Kerala’s coast, no consultation was held with the state. It’s a clear violation of federal principles and an encroachment on constitutional rights,” Kerala Industries Minister P. Rajeeve said in a statement, demanding a complete rollback of the rules.

Rajeeve warned that offshore mining would disrupt fragile marine ecosystems and harm the fishing communities along the coast. He also raised concerns over the future of state-run mineral processing units, particularly in Kerala, which has significant thorium-rich beach sand reserves.

The Ministry of Mines reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, adherence to legislative mandates, and ensuring that the exploration and mining of atomic minerals remain under strict regulatory control in accordance with national security and policy considerations.

“The media reports appear to be not consistent with the facts, provisions of the relevant Acts, Rules, and policy frameworks governing atomic minerals in India,” the ministry said.