Wed Dec 25 18:29:04 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu Reserves Rights in Madurai Tungsten Mining Project

**Chennai, December 25, 2024** – The Tamil Nadu government is asserting its rights in the controversial tungsten mining project in Madurai, refusing to engage further with the Union Ministry of Mines, Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan announced late Wednesday. The Minister’s statement follows a recent clarification from the Union Ministry and criticism from AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

Duraimurugan argued that communication with the Union government on this matter is futile, citing the government’s style of functioning. While acknowledging the state’s responsibility to grant mining leases, he insisted they were reserving their rights. He reiterated concerns raised in an October 2023 letter highlighting fundamental flaws in the Union Ministry’s auction process, potentially leading to law and order issues. He also pointed out the omission of crucial land details in a letter from the Commissioner of Geology and Mines, and the ministry’s disregard for the biodiversity heritage site at Arittappatti within the Nayakkarpatti tungsten block.

The Minister welcomed the Union Ministry’s admission that while they could auction the mining rights, the state holds the authority to issue the lease. He further demanded the cancellation of the mineral block award to M/S Hindustan Zinc Limited, following Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s intervention with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which led to a decision to resurvey the land.

Palaniswami, however, accused the DMK government of dishonesty, questioning why objections weren’t raised for ten months after the February 2024 auction. He also claimed Duraimurugan’s earlier letter to the Centre didn’t oppose the project. The conflicting statements highlight a deepening political row over the project’s future.

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