Shillong: Meghalaya cabinet on Thursday approved a draft resolution, opposing uranium mining in the state. It will be tabled during the autumn session, beginning August 24.“The cabinet has approved the draft ‘Resolution against the mining of uranium in the State of Meghalaya’. The resolution will be moved in the upcoming autumn session of the Meghalaya legislative assembly, beginning 24th August,” CM Conrad K Sangma posted on social media after chairing the meeting.Uranium mining has faced sustained opposition for decades from residents, NGOs and student organisations, particularly in the South West Khasi Hills region. Significant deposits have been identified in and around Domiasiat, Wahkaji and Mawthabah.Meghalaya is estimated to have between 9,500 and more than 20,000 tonnes of high-grade uranium deposits, accounting for around 11% to 16% of India’s reserves. The atomic minerals directorate describes Domiasiat as the country’s largest and richest sandstone-type uranium deposit.
