Reports claimed that the Tamil Nadu government approved tungsten mining in Madurai district, but the state government categorically denied this claim.

Tungsten

  • Symbol: W
  • Atomic Number: 74
  • Properties: High melting point, hardness, density, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
  • Strategic Importance: Used in defense, electronics, and industrial applications.

Sources of Tungsten in India: (Geography)

  1. Major Reserves in India:
    • Rajasthan:
      • Degana Mines (Nagaur and Sikar districts): Major tungsten-producing site.
      • Other regions: Khetri Belt and Kushalgarh.
    • Karnataka:
      • Sandur Schist Belt (Ballari district).
      • Major deposits in the Mysuru and Hassan regions.
    • Andhra Pradesh: Tungsten is found in the scheelite ore of the Kurnool district.
    • Jharkhand: Small deposits in West Singhbhum.
  2. Tamil Nadu:
    • Limited known deposits; the Madurai (Melur region) is being explored for potential reserves.
    • Tungsten in Tamil Nadu has not been commercially exploited due to environmental concerns.

Uses of Tungsten (Science and technology)

  1. Industrial Applications:
    • Manufacturing of cutting tools and drill bits.
    • High-temperature-resistant materials in industries.
  2. Electrical and Electronics:
    • Used in light bulb filaments and X-ray tubes.
    • Critical component in semiconductor and electrical contact materials.
  3. Defense:
    • Used in armor-piercing ammunition, missiles, and other defense equipment.
    • Essential for aerospace technology.
  4. Chemical Industry:
    • As a catalyst and for producing tungsten carbide, widely used in cutting and wear-resistant materials.
  5. Jewellery:
    • Used to make scratch-resistant rings and ornaments due to its hardness.
  6. Medical Applications:
    • Used in radiation shielding for medical equipment.

Relevance to Tamil Nadu:

  • Melur Biodiversity Heritage Site:
    • Tungsten mining in this ecologically sensitive zone is opposed due to its potential impact on agriculture and the environment.
  • Environmental Concerns:
    • Mining activities could disrupt the local ecosystem, affecting flora, fauna, and the livelihoods of local communities.