Aravallis Redefined, Critical Mineral Mining Allowed

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court-accepted definition of the Aravallis allows mining of critical, strategic, and atomic minerals, raising environmental concerns while aligning with energy transition, import dependence reduction, and national security priorities. This decision has sparked debates about the need for environmental clearances and the application of the Forest Conservation Act in the region.

New Definition and Mining Exemptions:

• The Union government’s revised definition of the Aravalli range, accepted by the Supreme Court on November 20, permits mining of critical and atomic minerals across the mountain system, subject to environmental clearances.
• The definition is based on a 3-degree slope criterion, distinguishing hills above and below 100 metres, but does not prohibit mining in either category for specified minerals, raising questions about the need for ex-post facto environmental clearances.
• The technical committee informed the court that restrictions on mining need not apply to minerals of strategic and defence significance, potentially impacting the implementation of the Forest Conservation Act in these areas.
• The Union Environment Minister clarified that the new definition applies only to mining, and no fresh mining leases will be granted except for critical, strategic, and atomic minerals, emphasizing the need for proper environmental impact assessments.
• While NCR areas remain protected, the exemption applies across the broader Aravalli-Delhi geological system, potentially affecting the coastal regulation zone if similar principles are applied elsewhere.

Economic and Strategic Rationale

• The Aravallis host major minerals such as lead, zinc, silver, copper, and building stones like marble and granite, making environmental clearances a crucial aspect of mining operations.
• The region has been identified as rich in critical minerals including lithium, nickel, graphite, molybdenum, niobium, tin, and rare earth elements (REEs), necessitating a balance between extraction and environmental protection.
• These minerals are described as site-specific, vital for clean energy transition, electric mobility, and defence technologies, highlighting the importance of sustainable mining practices and adherence to the polluter pays principle.
• India remains import-dependent for many critical minerals, strengthening the case for domestic extraction while ensuring compliance with environmental jurisprudence.
• The Rajasthan government highlighted the presence of deep-seated minerals listed under the Seventh Schedule of the MMDR Act, 1957, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment before mining activities commence.