Uranium mining in India: Ours is a story of great
resource but deeper human cost.
India’s ambitious nuclear energy program requires uranium, a dense, radioactive metal that serves as fuel in nuclear reactors. Although uranium is essential in creating low-carbon energy, fulfilling strategic defense needs, the cost of extraction has been absorbed by the poorest parts of India, creating questions around environmental safety, public health, and social justice. Where do we get our nuclear and energy from in India? The Indian government has mapped out many regions bearing Uranium, that are within Indian borders. Significant areas/pockets of Uranium are known to exist in & are as follows: East Singhbhum district in Jharkhand) — the oldest continuous working mines at Jaduguda mine. Andhra Pradesh (Kadapa district, Tummalapalle area) — one of the biggest in the nation. Rajasthan (Sikar district) — new finds lead to new mining. There could be uranium in other regions too - Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Assam. They are usually mined by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL).
The Distortion of Local Costs by “Economic Benefits” Uranium
mining, in theory, provides economic value and infrastructure development: New
mines projects offer the potential of more jobs, with UCIL claiming to have
created thousands of direct and indirect jobs locally. Investment in such
fields will be of the order of hundreds to thousands of crores of rupees and
will encourage the growth in region. Yet the benefits of local economic growth
more often than not never trickle down to locals, particularly tribal and rural
populations that lack formal land titles and vocational skills tied to mining
work. Traditional farmlands, forests and pastures are either taken or
contaminated leading to disruption of traditional ways of life.
Impacts of Health on Community Livelihoods
Disease and Radiation Exposure The most serious concerns are
probably caused by direct and indirect contact with radioactive substances.
Tailings, Dust and Polluted Water: Uranium extraction waste — including
tailings (mill residues) — is usually placed in unlined, or poorly-lined, pools.
These pockets may leak radioactive particles into the soil and the water that
villagers drink. Airborne Contamination: Uncovered waste and the transport of
ore dust can spread radioactive particles, which can be inhaled and add to
radiation doses in homes located nearby.
Established Disorders of Health Numerous polls, journalistic
coverage and community testimonials from areas such as Jaduguda reveal that
residents in proximity to uranium operations suffer from a variety of crippling
diseases, including: Bronchial complaints: chronic bronchitis, persistent
cough, asthma and tuberculosis -- caused, inhaled radioactive dust. Cancers:
higher rates in lung, blood, skin and throat cancers thought to be linked with
chronic exposure to radiation. Reproductive Harm: repercussion of pregnancy
loss including miscarriage and stillbirthiness, menstrual irregularities as
well as infertility and reproductive dysfunction. Congenital malformations:
elevated levels of birth defects and learning impairments in children born
adjacent to mining sites. Genetic and chronic disease: an ongoing stream of
reports about bone deformities, blood diseases and long-term health issues that
local healthcare facilities are unable to properly diagnose or treat. Community
activists and researchers told CBS News many of these diseases were uncommon or
nonexistent before uranium mining — but have become widespread as mining operations
have expanded.
Environmental Contamination Outside the Mining Operations
Uranium pollution is also not confined to mining areas.
Other states' groundwater has been found to contain uranium at levels above
what is considered safe -- sometimes attributable to naturally occurring
geogenic sources, and sometimes due to industrial processes that bring uranium
into water supplies. For instance, groundwater from some districts of
Chhattisgarh has been found to have uranium levels several times beyond WHO's
recommended safety limit, which could result in an enhanced risk of kidney
damage, cancer, and pulmonary diseases.
Social and Cultural Costs
In addition to concrete health problems, social ostracism
and cultural displacement experienced by communities:
Families suffering from deformities or infertility are
frequently shunned.
Deforestation and loss of grazing lands also erodes cultural
practices connected to the earth.
Historically marginalized Tribal groups, have no means to
get justice or a fair compensation.
Government response and continuing controversy
Although the national energy strategy promotes uranium
mining, local governments and environmental groups oppose it:
Tougher safety and monitoring requirements, particularly in
relation to waste management and radiation monitoring
Full public health studies with independent scientific
monitoring.
More compensation and rehabilitation for these families.
A few state leaders (Meghalaya) have also expressed concerns
publicly on the protocols for granting permission for uranium mining being
health and environment centric.
Conclusion
India’s uranium mining areas exemplify a double-standard:
national good, local pain. Although uranium is the fuel of nuclear power and
national security, its production has exposed people living in mining and
milling communities to serious health problems, and has led to environmental
contamination in places where many have inadequate health care, legal
protection, or economic alternatives.
Balancing energy security with not undermining public health
and environmental justice will remain a major challenge of governance for the
country.
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