Guwahati: The Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday unanimously opposed uranium exploration, mining and processing in the state, with all 60 MLAs backing a resolution moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The resolution urged the Centre, the Department of Atomic Energy and Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) not to permit or undertake uranium mining anywhere in Meghalaya, including the proposed Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah (KPM) project in West Khasi Hills.
Moving the resolution, Sangma said Meghalaya has significant uranium deposits but previous attempts by the Centre to explore and mine the mineral had faced opposition from communities across the state.
He said the resolution was intended to convey the position of the state government, elected representatives and people on uranium mining.
Sangma cited uranium deposits identified at Domiasiat, Wahkyn and Lostoin in West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills. The KPM project envisages open-cast mining and an ore processing plant.
He raised concerns over the geography and environmental risks in the proposed mining area, which receives heavy rainfall, has steep terrain and is vulnerable to landslides.
The area also forms the catchment of several streams and rivers that support drinking water supplies, agriculture and local livelihoods, he said.
Sangma said the state was also concerned about the long-term management of mining waste, including overburden, mill tailings and process effluents, under such conditions.
The resolution noted sustained opposition from traditional institutions, autonomous district councils, student bodies, civil society organisations and elected representatives. It said affected communities had not given their “free, prior and informed” consent to uranium mining.
Sangma also referred to a 2019 Supreme Court judgment concerning land rights in Meghalaya, saying landowners have rights over surface and sub-soil resources, including minerals.
The resolution also raised concerns over a September 8, 2025, Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The memorandum exempted mining projects involving atomic minerals from public consultation requirements under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.
Sangma said uranium mining had affected the health of communities in other parts of the country and argued that Meghalaya’s position should be clear for future generations.
The resolution received support across party lines, including from Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma of the Trinamool Congress and MLAs of the Voice of the People Party.