Union Minister Kishan Reddy urges Tamil Nadu to support critical mineral projects

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy on Sunday (June 21, 22026) appealed to the Tamil Nadu government and the people for their support over the acquisition of lands being acquired for projects relating to mining of critical minerals.

Mr. Reddy was answering a query on the issues relating to the land acquisition for projects of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) in Cuddalore district.

“I requested the old [DMK] government also and the new [TVK] government too. With regard to the land acquisition policy, especially over critical minerals, I hope they extend their cooperation and I am requesting the people of Tamil Nadu also to extend their possible support to the land acquisition,” Mr. Reddy said, replying to a query in a press conference in BJP’s State unit head office in Chennai.

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The Union Minister said that the revenue generated through the mining of these minerals would go to the State government, including the premium, royalty, DMF (funds under the District Mineral Foundation) and the cess. “Even other than that, DMF and CSR activity will benefit the affected areas,” Mr. Reddy said.

Replying to a query on the possible expansion of the projects of the NLC, the Union Minister maintained that it was a regular process. When asked about allegations raised by Congress MP Vishnu Prasad alleging irregularities in the NLC, the Union Minister said, “I have taken inputs from the local administration, Collector, our own agencies. If there is anything small [issue], it is being rectified. It is a continuous process.”