Shillong | The Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution opposing uranium exploration, mining and processing anywhere in the state, with all 60 MLAs backing the move amid concerns over environmental risks, land rights and community consent.

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, urged the Centre, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Uranium Corporation of India Ltd (UCIL) not to permit or undertake uranium-related activities in Meghalaya, including the proposed Kylleng-Pyndengsohiong-Mawthabah (KPM) project in West Khasi Hills.

Moving the resolution, Sangma said Meghalaya had significant uranium deposits but repeated attempts to explore and mine the mineral had faced sustained opposition from communities and various civil society groups. He said the resolution was aimed at clearly communicating the position of the state government, elected representatives and people of Meghalaya on uranium mining.

Sangma cited uranium deposits at Domiasiat, Wahkyn and Lostoin in West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills. The proposed KPM project includes open-cast mining and an ore processing plant. The chief minister highlighted the state’s fragile terrain and environmental conditions, noting that the proposed mining areas receive heavy rainfall, have steep slopes and remain vulnerable to landslides.

He said the areas also serve as catchments for several streams and rivers that are important sources of drinking water and support agriculture and other local livelihoods. Sangma raised concerns over the long-term management of mining waste, including overburden, mill tailings and process effluents, particularly given the region’s high rainfall and terrain.

The resolution also noted sustained opposition from traditional institutions, autonomous district councils, student organisations, civil society groups and elected representatives. It said affected communities had not provided their “free, prior and informed” consent for uranium mining in the state.

Sangma also referred to a 2019 Supreme Court judgment concerning land rights in Meghalaya, arguing that landowners have rights over surface as well as sub-soil resources, including minerals.

Another issue flagged by the chief minister was an Office Memorandum issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on September 8, 2025. The memorandum exempted mining projects involving atomic minerals from public consultation requirements under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006.

Sangma said concerns over the impact of uranium mining on communities in other parts of the country also needed to be taken into account. He said Meghalaya’s decision was not only about the present generation but also about protecting the state’s environment and resources for future generations.

The resolution received unanimous 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. The unanimous vote puts the Meghalaya Assembly on record as opposing uranium mining across the state, including the long-pending KPM project.