Residents halt mineral sand mining in Mullaitivu
Concerned residents have thwarted the resumed efforts of excavation of mineral sand in Mullaitivu, in a major resistance to exploitation of resources in the former war-affected Vanni district of Sri Lanka.
A project by the Indian-linked Midwest Heavy Sands that was granted licences by the previous administration came under public protests on December 13, forcing officials and company representatives to flee the area without being able to carry out their survey.
The previous administration had given foreign investors permits to explore the mineral sand deposits without value addition, having issued a licence to Midwest Heavy Sands to mine and export 30 per cent of materials in their raw state.
However, this latest push to begin mining was brought to a standstill when TNA ITAK MP Thurairasa Raviharan led protests, denouncing the project as a repetition of destructive practices that hurt the region in the past.
The residents and Mr. Raviharan strongly opposed the surveys in the Nayaru and Chemmalai coastal areas due to severe environmental risk.
“We will not allow this without our approval. This is state property, and any decisions must involve public consent,” said one resident said.
Mr. Raviharan recalled how mining in Kokkilai had devastated their village, where 44 acres of private lands were dug up during the war and left without rehabilitation to date, with the resultant intrusion of seawater and flooding.
Previous protests in February 2022, also prevented attempts to let another multinational company, Orion Minerals, exploit the Kokkilai area. “If they want to mine here, they need to address the destruction caused in Kokkilai. After that, they can consult the people through proper channels like the District Development Committee,” he demanded.
This latest incident marks the second time under the current government that mining efforts in Mullaitivu have been thwarted by public opposition.
Government officials present during the latest surveys assured residents that no land would be handed over without public consent.
But their insistence on conducting surveys as instructed by the government, further increased local mistrust. Mr. Raviharan accused Midwest Heavy Sands of enjoying political patronage even during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s regime, particularly via connections with former Environment Minister Nazeer Ahamed.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, when he was an MP, had asked about the approval of these licences in Parliament.
He had sought to know how a mining licence was issued to Midwest Heavy Sands to extract material up to 10 metres when the current extent was 4.2 metres and allowed to export up to 30 per cent in raw form.
He further expressed his misgivings on the company’s extended excavation depth and export allowances, underlining the lack of value addition and its effects on resource sustainability.
The 2024 manifesto of the ruling NPP emphasises public consultation and sustainable practices in the management of resources. People of Mullaitivu have also voiced the same sentiments, dismissing projects led from the top that do not cater to their interests or are not environmentally viable.
This defeat of the latest move reflects the increasing determination of the war-affected people to safeguard their lands from exploitative ventures.
Mr. Raviharan said, “Sixteen people owned these 44 acres, but now they are left without land. This is a clear violation of their rights.” People in Mullaitivu have sent a strong message that they will not allow further harm to their environment or livelihoods without their consent.
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