FR petition filed against heavy mineral sand mining project in Mannar

A Fundamental Rights (FR) petition has been lodged in the Supreme Court, challenging the proposed heavy mineral sand extraction project on Mannar Island. The legal action seeks to halt mining activities across key coastal areas due to environmental and conservation concerns.

The petition was jointly filed by the Centre for Environmental Justice and a collective of concerned citizens, including Rev. Fr. Santhiyogu Marcus, and seeks an order to suspend the operation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) and the license issued for the mining.

Key Facts of the Challenge:

• Project Scope: The proposed project involves heavy mineral sand mining and the establishment of a mineral separation plant within exploration areas EL423 and EL424.
• Affected Area: These zones cover crucial coastal stretches of Mannar Island, specifically from Upputharavai–Pesalai to South Bar–Thalvupadu.
• Legal Action Basis: The petitioners argue against the decision by authorities in 2024 to issue TORs for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project.

The case was taken up before a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena and Justice Sampath Abayakoon. The Supreme Court has fixed the petition for further support on February 10.

Source: https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/FR-petition-filed-against-heavy-mineral-sand-mining-project-in-Mannar/108-322139