The Centre has asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to re-examine the Nayakkarpatti tungsten mine in Tamil Nadu to possibly redefine the block boundary, excluding a biodiversity heritage site. The Tamil Nadu government has been requested to temporarily halt issuing the Letter of Intent to the preferred bidder for the block.
This action follows representations against the auction of the block due to its inclusion of a biodiversity site. Hindustan Zinc Ltd had emerged as the preferred bidder for the tungsten block.
The mines ministry noted that inputs from the Tamil Nadu government were taken before the auction, and no opposition to the sale was previously received. This statement came after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the award of mining rights in the area, citing environmental and public concerns.
The Nayakkarpatti block covers over 20.16 sq km and was auctioned as a composite license block, requiring further exploration by the successful bidder before the mining lease is granted.
