Niyamgiri Bauxite Mining Controversy

Why in news?

Activists are cautioning against renewed efforts to revive bauxite mining in Odisha's Niyamgiri hills, citing the rights of the Dongria Kondh tribe and past Supreme Court rulings.

Key points

1. 1Renewed efforts by Vedanta Group chairman Anil Agarwal to revive bauxite mining in Niyamgiri hills.
2. 2Activists, including the National Alliance of People's Movements (NAPM), are opposing the move, emphasizing tribal rights.
3. 3The Niyamgiri hills are home to the Dongria Kondh tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
4. 4Past gram sabha decisions unanimously rejected the mining project, a decision upheld by the Supreme Court.
5. 5Concerns about environmental impact and the violation of tribal self-governance rights (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act - PESA).

Background & context

The Niyamgiri Hills are a significant bauxite reserve. A proposed mining project by Vedanta faced strong opposition from tribal communities and environmental activists, leading to a Supreme Court decision in 2013 that the final decision rested with the concerned gram sabhas. The Dongria Kondh tribe has historically protected the hills.