April, 2026 NEWSLETTER: Will Chaibasa Provide 'Atomic Power'? Scientists Scout for Uranium in the Hills of Chakradharpur
NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2026
JUSTICE IN MINING NETWORK
MESSAGE
Dear friends,
Johar!
April’s newsletter brings together stories from across the country that reveal the growing tensions between extractive development, ecological sustainability, and the rights of communities whose lives are deeply intertwined with land, forests, and water. The highlights of April have been the Adivasis resistance against the corporate mining and police dominance in Sijimali and Lanjhiberna. Several villagers and workers have also lost their lives due to the poor safety of mining and factories.
The developments documented this month are connected through five critical themes that continue to shape contemporary struggles for environmental justice. These are the issues of rapid mineral exploration, amendments to the mining and minerals related laws, real risks of mines and factories that are operating under weak safety and labour laws, ecological impact and the people’s protest.
There is rapid expansion of mineral exploration. From uranium and lithium to coal and other strategic minerals, exploration activities are increasingly reaching ecologically sensitive and indigenous ethno-territories. While these projects are often justified in the name of national growth and energy transitions, they raise urgent questions about consent, displacement, and the future of local livelihoods. The search for potential underground gold reserves and uranium ore in the West Singhbhum district has gained momentum.
The second theme examines laws and policies that govern land acquisition, mining, forest governance, and environmental clearances. Communities and activists continue to engage with legal and policy frameworks to defend constitutional rights, challenge procedural violations, and demand meaningful participation in decisions affecting their territories. On April 22nd, the Madhya Pradesh government took a cabinet decision to increase the multiplication factor for compensation under the Land Acquisition Act 2013 from 1 to 2. This will double the compensation for the land, and when combined with the 100% compensation amount the total compensation will quadruple the estimated amount. The Ministry of Mines has approved 58 companies under the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling as eligible for participation. Ministry of Mines has also notified new rules enabling lease expansion, associated mineral inclusion and higher critical mineral output.
However, risks posed by mines and industrial projects remains a neglected concern. The environmental and social impacts of mining, processing plants, and large-scale industries—including pollution, health hazards, loss of agricultural land, and threats to water security—remain central concerns for affected populations. These risks are often borne disproportionately by marginalized communities. A boiler exploded at Vedanta Power plant in Chhattisgarh killing 12 workers. Three workers died in Ramgarh in a private steel plant. Three were also killed in a house collapse after blast in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad which the locals blame on illegal mining.
The ecological crisis is intensifying. In a major ecological warning linked to fragmented governance and unchecked land-use changes, 518 out of 697 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or witnessed a significant reduction in their area, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
Across regions, communities are mobilising to protect forests, rivers, biodiversity, and cultural landscapes, while articulating alternative visions of development rooted in ecological balance, collective rights, and intergenerational justice. Villagers protested the Bharat Mala project in Gola, Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. A solar plant is proposed to be installed on 30 acres of agricultural land in Navadih Panchayat.
Together, these stories remind us that the struggle for environmental protection is inseparable from the struggle for democracy, dignity, and community self-determination.
Justice in Mining Network looks forward to your solidarity and feedback.
justiceinminingnetwork@gmail.com
Compiled by: Deepti Mary Minj
Edited by: Dr P.M. Tony
MINERAL EXPLORATION
Will Chaibasa Provide 'Atomic Power'? Scientists Scout for Uranium in the Hills of Chakradharpur
The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD)—a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India—recently concluded a survey regarding the availability of atomic energy sources in the district. An expert team from the AMD identified the Lotapahar, Duarpur, and Bangurdi areas—located within the Chakradharpur subdivision—and conducted a physical survey of these regions. The primary objective of this scientific exploration was to assess the potential for radioactive minerals, such as uranium, within the area. Providing clarification on the survey results, Scientific Officer Ajay Haridas stated that this was a preliminary investigation. Although no clear or concrete evidence of uranium has been found in this initial phase, experts consider this region to be of immense significance for research, given its geological structure. https://www.jagran.com/jharkhand/west-singhbhum-jharkhand-uranium-survey-atomic-minerals-explored-in-west-singhbhum-40191648.html
The search for potential underground gold reserves in the West Singhbhum district has gained momentum. The Department of Mines and Geology is conducting extensive surveys and drilling operations across approximately 1,900 hectares in the Pardiha, Parasi, and Jonko-Bharandia regions of Chaibasa. Preliminary reports from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have indicated the presence of high-quality gold in this area. Subsequently, the investigation process has been accelerated at the state level. Based on this, a comprehensive exploration has now been initiated, utilizing modern technologies. The Directorate of Geology, situated in Ranchi, is currently mapping subsurface mineral structures through an airborne geophysical survey—specifically, a heli-borne survey. Concurrently, physical verification of these indications is also being conducted by drilling boreholes at identified locations. https://thefollowup.in/jharkhand/news/gold-resreve-in-chaibasa-survey-and-inspection-fast-in-1900-hectares-76140.html
LAWS & POLICIES
On April 22nd, the Madhya Pradesh government took a cabinet decision to increase the multiplication factor for compensation under the Land Acquisition Act 2013 from 1 to 2. This will double the compensation for the land, and when combined with the 100% compensation amount under the Land Acquisition Act, the total compensation will quadruple the estimated amount. This government decision is a major victory for the farmers' struggles and the Narmada Bachao Andolan. The movement has welcomed this decision and demanded that this decision be implemented on all land acquisition actions carried out since 2014 and additional compensation be given to all affected people.
Alok Agarwal of Narmada Bachao Andolan said that as per number 2 of the first schedule of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, the estimated compensation of any farmer will be multiplied by a coefficient and this coefficient will be 1 for urban areas and 1 to 2 for rural areas. However, in 2014, the Madhya Pradesh government declared this coefficient as 1 for rural areas as well, causing significant losses to farmers in rural areas. The Narmada Bachao Andolan has repeatedly raised this discrepancy with the government and demanded that this coefficient be increased to 2. The movement pointed out that the central government, and other states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Bihar have all set this coefficient at 2 for rural areas. Click here to read more. https://www.spsmedia.in/land-acquisition-compensation-in-madhya-pradesh-now-four-times-higher-major-cabinet-decision/
The Ministry of Mines has approved 58 companies under the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling as eligible for participation. The Ministry said that this is a major step towards strengthening India’s critical mineral security and promoting a circular economy. The Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Critical Mineral Recycling, with a total outlay of 1,500 crore rupees, the National Critical Mineral Mission, was notified on 2nd October of last year. It aims to develop domestic recycling capacity for critical minerals from lithium-ion batteries, e-waste and industrial scrap, reducing import dependence and supporting clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. Click here to read more. https://newsonair.gov.in/ministry-of-mines-approves-58-companies-under-incentive-scheme-for-promotion-of-critical-mineral-recycling/
Ministry of Mines notifies new rules enabling lease expansion, associated mineral inclusion and higher critical mineral output. The Ministry of Mines has notified the Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Comcession (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing a detailed framework for expanding mining lease areas and including additional minerals within existing leases. The amended rules, notified on March 30, 2026 follw changes made through the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025 which came into effect on September 1, 2025.
Under the new rules, holders of mining leases and composite licences for deep seated minerals will be allowed a one-time extension of their lease area to include adjoining or contiguous land. Where the original mining lease or composite licence was granted through auction, the leaseholder will have to pay an additional amount equal to 10 percent of the auction premium on minerals dispatched from the newly added area. No additional payment will be required when the added mineral is a critical mineral, strategic mineral or deep-seated mineral listed in the Seventh Schedule of the MMDR Act. The government said this exemption is intended to encourage production of minerals that are often found in small quantities and are difficult to mine and process. The amendment further lays down a procedure for including major minerals in leases originally granted for minor minerals before the MMDR Amendment Act, 2025. Click here to read more. https://www.energetica-india.net/news/ministry-of-mines-notifies-mineral-concession-rule-changes-to-expand-critical-mineral-mining
MINES & FACTORIES RISKS
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| Chaos erupted at the plant following the incident. |
A boiler blast occurred at the Vedanta Power Plant in the Sakti district of Chhattisgarh on the afternoon of April 14. The accident has claimed the lives of 12 laborers. The incident took place within the jurisdiction of the Dabhra police station. Four laborers died on the spot. Meanwhile, 18 injured laborers were rushed to Jindal Fortis Hospital in Raigarh, where eight of them succumbed to their injuries. The condition of the remaining 10 injured individuals remains critical; they have sustained burns covering 80% of their bodies. Following the accident, family members of the laborers staged a protest outside the plant, demanding action against the management as well as compensation.
https://www.bhaskar.com/g/local/chhattisgarh/janjgir/sakti/news/sakti-vedanta-power-plant-boiler-blast-workers-burns-137694587.html
A boiler blast occurred at the Vedanta Power Plant located in Singhitarai at around 2 PM.
According to the police, the explosion may have been caused by a tube rupture in the boiler system. This likely led to a high-pressure steam leak, which eventually triggered the blast in the coal-fired unit. Since Sakti is a remote district with limited advanced medical facilities , the injured workers were shifted to hospitals in nearby areas such as Kharsia and Raigarh for better treatment. Most victims were contract workers from states like Jharkhand and Bihar. https://www.moneycontrol.com/city/chhattisgarh-vedanta-plant-blast-what-triggered-deadly-explosion-that-killed-13-workers-article-13889150.html
Three people were buried alive after a house collapsed into the ground following a massive explosion in underground fire-affected Dhanbad on 1 April, 2026. Manohar Oraon’s house was completely destroyed in the collapse, trapping the victims beneath the debris. The deceased have been identified as Manohar Oraon (60), his 17-year-old daughter Geeta Kumari, and his neighbour’s wife Sarita Devi (45). Agitated residents blocked the Rajganj–Chas main road, leading to long traffic snarls in both directions. Villagers attributed the incident to ongoing illegal coal mining in the area. “An entry point for illegal mining is located close to the site, where heavy blasting has destabilised the ground. We had been issued notices to vacate, but no rehabilitation was arranged,” said a local, requesting anonymity. BCCL officials declined to comment on the incident. Click here to read more. https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Apr/01/three-killed-in-house-collapse-after-blast-in-jharkhands-dhanbad-locals-blame-illegal-mining
Three workers critically injured in the furnace blast at a private steel plant in Ramgarh district on 6 April died during treatment. The deceased were identified as Mahesh Bediya, Akhila Rai and Brijlal Bediya. The condition of four other injured workers remains critical. Nine workers had suffered burn injuries in the blast at the plant in Hesla village under Ramgarh police station limits at 4am on 6 April. Ramgarh circle officer said that the next of kin of the deceased will be provided compensation of Rs 21 lakh each as per an agreement by the plant management following an agitation by local villagers. Another official said after the probe report is prepared, further action will be recommended to the government against the company. Click here to read more. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/furnace-blast-tragedy-three-workers-die-in-ramgarh-steel-plant-blast-families-to-receive-rs-21-lakh-compensation-each/articleshow/130094439.cms
ECOLOGICAL CRISIS
In a major ecological warning linked to fragmented governance and unchecked land-use changes, 518 out of 697 lakes in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or witnessed a significant reduction in their area, according to a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). Of the total lakes, 315 (45 per cent) covering 1,537.07 hectares have completely disappeared from official records. These include 80 lakes under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department and 235 under the Revenue and Agriculture departments. The report warned that the disappearance and shrinkage of 518 lakes have led to ecosystem degradation, loss of water resources, food and biodiversity, and disruption of carbon, nutrient, and water cycles—heightening climate vulnerability in the region. Click here to read more. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/j-k/cag-flags-ecological-crisis-as-518-of-697-lakes-shrink-or-disappear-in-jk/
On the occasion of World Health Day on 7 April, the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan (Public Health Campaign), Uttar Pradesh, is conducting a week-long, state-wide campaign starting April 1, 2026, focusing on occupational and environmental health impacts. As part of this initiative, the Uttar Pradesh chapter of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan India organized a discussion forum in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, to address the impact on occupational and environmental health. A large number of workers are suffering from silicosis and various other ailments; however, the government has failed to pay attention to this critical issue. He stated that, according to an affidavit submitted by the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) to the Hon'ble Supreme Court on April 10, 2017, 6,916 workers in Uttar Pradesh are affected by silicosis—a severe occupational disease that is proving to be extremely fatal to the lives of these workers. Click here to read more: https://www.jantadarpan.com/2026/04/blog-post_7.html
People’s groups gather at Lugu Buru, call for intensified struggle against displacement, inequality and corporate control
The second State Conference of the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha commenced at Lugu Buru Ghantabari Dharomgarh in Lalpania (Gomia, Bokaro) on Monday, with the first day witnessing extensive deliberations on key national and state-level challenges, civil rights, and social justice issues. The conference began with tributes to iconic people’s leaders—Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu-Kanhu, Birsa Munda, Phulo-Jhano, Jaipal Singh Munda, and Stan Swamy—offered with the traditional salutation “Hul Johar.”
Addressing the gathering, Dinesh Murmu highlighted the historical significance of Lugu Buru, describing it as a symbol of the Adivasi community’s collective consciousness and self-governance, preserved by resisting external interference and maintaining its original identity. Economist Jean Drèze stressed that democracy must go beyond periodic elections and raised concerns over widening inequality and increasing corporate influence. Prominent Adivasi activist Dayamani Barla expressed concern over rising displacement and corporate land acquisition in Jharkhand. She alleged that land banks are being used to transfer land to large corporate houses, weakening the authority of Gram Sabhas, and called for united resistance to safeguard CNT/SPT laws, the Fifth Schedule, and forest rights. The conference concluded its first day with a call for broader unity to defend jal-jangal-jameen (water, forest, land), constitutional rights, and social justice. Nitisha Khalkho criticised the New Education Policy, alleging that it promotes regressive ideas while marginalising regional languages and Adivasi cultural identity. Youth activist Manoj Bhuiyan from Palamu highlighted the economic and psychological challenges faced by Dalit and Adivasi communities. Participants from several districts, including West Singhbhum, Latehar, Bokaro, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Khunti, Pakur, Godda, Chatra, and East Singhbhum, attended in large numbers. The conference concluded its first day with a call for broader unity to defend jal-jangal-jameen (water, forest, land), constitutional rights, and social justice. Click here to read more. https://www.theindiannation.com/2026/04/deliberations-on-civil-rights-and.html
PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT
On March 8, 2026, hundreds of women marched from Kantamal to Sagbari.
On the evening of April 3, 2026, acting upon the directives of the Sub-Collector of Rayagada, a prohibitory order was issued. The order states that the State Government is undertaking the construction of a road leading to Sijimali. A strict ban has been imposed on the assembly of more than four people within a 100-meter radius of this road. This order shall come into effect at 6:00 PM on April 3 and will remain in force for a period of one month. Furthermore, a warning has been issued stating that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating this order.
Police and paramilitary forces marching through the villages.
The residents of the Sijimali region “know full well what all this is about. We know that this road is not being built for our convenience; it is being constructed solely to facilitate the Vedanta company’s bauxite mine. This prohibitory order makes it absolutely clear, once again, that the Rayagada district police and administration are entirely engaged in serving the private interests of the company. However, we will not be cowed by the threats and pressure from the police and the administration.” The Tijmali region is a tribal-dominated area that falls entirely under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. This prohibitory order, issued by the Sub-Collector of Rayagada, will severely cripple our daily lives and our means of livelihood. Click here to read more. https://jajaipur.blogspot.com/2026/04/blog-post_4.html
Under the Bharat Mala project, there is anger among the villagers against the arbitrariness in the under construction expressway from Ormanjhi Ranchi to Bokaro Dhanbad via Gola. On 8 April, the villagers of Mahilidih village took to the streets and protested the company. The villagers said that the facilities which the company had promised while acquiring the land from the villagers, are not being fulfilled. Click here to read more.
https://www.livehindustan.com/jharkhand/ramgarh/story-villagers-protest-against-company-promises-in-expressway-project-under-bharat-mala-201775671481749.html
A solar plant is proposed to be installed on 30 acres of agricultural land in Navadih Panchayat, of Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. Farmers in Navadih Panchayat, Mandu Block, have protested the land acquisition process for the solar project being carried out without their consent. In this regard, the rural farmers have submitted a signed application to the Mandu Zonal Officer, demanding a halt to the land acquisition process. In the application, the farmers alleged that the land was selected for the solar project without their consent. The villagers warned that they would not relinquish their land under any circumstances. They demanded that the administration immediately halt the land acquisition process without consent and protect the interests of the farmers. It stated that approximately 300 farmers and tenant farmers earn their livelihood by farming on the land. Click here to read more. https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/jharkhand/ramgarh/bhomee-chayan-kaa-berodh/amp?mode=light
A fierce protest erupted at the main gate of Tata Motors in Jamshedpur on Tuesday, creating chaos. The Bunty Singh faction, along with their supporters, staged a massive protest demanding employment for local youth and blocked the company's gate. The protesters stated that their protest will continue until their demands are met. Bunty Singh, who led the protest, leveled several serious allegations against Tata Motors management and the union. He said that due to collusion between the two, local youth are being deprived of employment. Transparency is not being observed in hiring even the sons of company employees. They are being excluded from the recruitment process. He also accused the company management of exploiting workers. Click here to read more. https://thenewspost.in/news-update/chaos-at-tata-motors-gate-protests-demanding-local-employment-jamshedpur-c8dn65hs5b
Bhubaneswar, Odisha : On 8 April 2026, people from various sections of society—including concerned citizens, civil societies, a former minister, political leaders, lawyers, human rights defenders, and social activists under the banner of Concerned Citizens, civil societies, a former minister, political leaders, lawyers, human rights defenders, and social activists under the banner of Concerned Citizens’ Forum, Odisha—staged a mass protest at Master Canteen Square against alleged state repression, undeterred by heavy rain. Holding posters, the protesters raised slogans against “corporate rule,” “police excesses,” and “rampant mining.”
The demonstration was organised in response to reported police excesses against tribal communities in Kantamala under Rayagada district during the pre-dawn hours of 7 April 2026, when police forces allegedly surrounded the village of Kantamal while residents were asleep, cut off the electricity supply, broke down doors, and carried out lathi charges. It was further alleged that tear gas was deployed, shots were fired, and stones were pelted at residents, resulting in injuries to several villagers, the death of a cow due to tear gas exposure, and the vandalisation of vehicles belonging to villagers during the incident. These incidents were said to be linked to the construction of a road intended for mining activities by the Vedanta Group, allegedly carried out without due approval of the Gram Sabha, in violation of the provisions of the PESA Act. The protestors condemned the actions of the district police, alleging that the police were acting as a force used by state for corporate interests. The protestors also condemned the arrest of 21 tribal individuals, including 10 women—among them a nineteen-year-old pregnant woman and three mothers with infants—from Talaampadar between 2:30 AM and 3:30 AM on 11 March 2026, alleging that the action violated the guidelines laid down in D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal and Supreme Court directives on arrest procedures and safeguards, including provisions that restrict the arrest of women during nighttime hours except under exceptional circumstances. Click here to read more. https://countercurrents.org/2026/04/odisha-protest-over-alleged-police-excesses-and-sijimali-mining-project-sparks-charges-of-corporate-rule/
In Odisha’s Lanjiberna, the protest against “illegal” expansion by corporate giant Dalmia Cement Bharat Limited (DCBL) has gotten intense, with locals starting a sit-in protest. On 25 February, four platoons of Odisha Police, allegedly along with company goons, entered Lanjiberna with JCBs and started digging the already destroyed farms, even as the locals staged protests. Since March, the dissent has intensified, with police officials clashing with villagers. On March 28, the people of Lanjiberna broke the barricades as reports emerged of Dalmia reviving the digging of agricultural land. In a letter to the President, Droupadi Murmu, the Fifth Schedule Union – an amalgamation of all Fifth Schedule villages fighting against mining, expansion, compensation, rehabilitation, and other issues in Sundargarh and other regions of Odisha – demanded answers and support from the government. Click here to read more. https://maktoobmedia.com/public/post?id=114667&slug=in-odishas-lanjiberna-protest-enters-second-month-as-demand-against-mining-increases
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