Do not allow mineral sand mining to private sector: CPI(M)

CPI(M) on Sunday asked the state government to not allow the entry of private players in mineral sand mining sector warning it of agitations if proper action is not taken in the regard.

In a statement in Thiruvannathapuram, the CPI(M) secretariat also asked the state government to file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the High Court order directing the state to consider applications of private firms for grant of licenses.

Criticising the government over the delay in filing an appeal on the matter, the party claimed that the UDF government's policy reflected that of the former UPA government of allowing private firms in mineral sand mining sector.

State-owned Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd and the central government-owned Indian Rare Earths Ltd are the companies now permitted to mine mineral sands from the beaches in the state's southern districts, which are rich in titanium, ilmenite and rutile.