The BJP has accused Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan of Kerala of providing false information to the Legislative Assembly regarding the privatization of coastal mineral sand mining. State Vice-President Shaun George stated that the Chief Minister’s claims contradicted official records, suggesting deception within the Assembly. During a recent debate following the state Budget’s announcement allowing private involvement in mineral sand mining, the Chief Minister explicitly denied any plans for privatization, a statement that Shaun George believes is inconsistent with existing government documents.
Shaun George highlighted a memorandum from a Telangana-based company submitted to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), revealing an agreement with Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML). This agreement reportedly includes provisions for the supply of raw materials, particularly monazite, to the private company, along with the utilization of KMML land and infrastructure. Notably, the agreement specifies that raw materials collected by KMML must first meet the private company’s requirements before any other allocation, raising concerns about national security implications.
The BJP representative emphasized the critical nature of handling strategic minerals like monazite, which contains thorium, underscoring the potential national security risks associated with private involvement in the sector. Shaun George questioned the government’s motives behind the policy allowing private participation, especially considering the early engagement of the Telangana-based company dating back to May 6. Urging immediate government action to safeguard national interests, he called for a withdrawal from any initiatives that could compromise national security.
