Tamil Nadu extends mining approval in Kanniyakumari, drawing criticism over TVK's earlier opposition

The Tamil Nadu government's Department of Natural Resources has extended the validity period of reservation for mining approval over 1,144.06 hectares of land in eight coastal villages of Kanniyakumari district for one more year, until June 10, 2027. The order, dated June 10, 2026, extends the approval originally granted under Section 17A(4) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, for mining by IREL (India) Limited.

The decision has drawn criticism from activists and political opponents, who point to an apparent contradiction with the stance previously taken by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which now leads the state government. During its executive meeting in November 2024, TVK passed a resolution opposing the proposed mining project, calling it a 'hazardous and destructive project' that would 'devastate southern Tamil Nadu.' The resolution urged the Union government to abandon the project.

The extended approval covers villages including Keezhmidalam-A, Midalam-B, Enayamputhenthurai, Ezhudesam-A, Ezhudesam-B, Ezhudesam-C, Kollencode-A, and Kollencode-B in Killiyoor taluk. The government order extends the reservation until June 10, 2027.

Kurumbanai Berlin, a functionary of Anukanima Suranga Edhirppu Makkal Iyakkam, said the decision contradicts the TVK party's earlier resolution. 'This extension raises questions among the people about whether the approval was granted with the knowledge of the Chief Minister or under pressure from the Union government,' he said.

DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi also criticised the move in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling it 'unacceptable' that the TVK government issued the order on the last day before the allocation was due to expire. She stated that by facilitating approval for the environmentally hazardous project, the government had betrayed the people of the southern districts.

The extension comes amid ongoing concerns from the fishing community and environmental activists about the potential impact of mining on the coastal ecosystem and local livelihoods. The Union government's role in the project has also been a point of contention, with critics alleging federal pressure on the state government.

The TVK government has not yet issued an official statement explaining the decision or addressing the apparent inconsistency with its earlier resolution.