Khasi oppose Lafarge India mining

Limestone mining may not proceed for French cement company.

{reg} Despite Lafarge having obtained an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) clearance, a necessity before a company can begin to mine, limestone mining may not proceed as planned. The Khasi Students' Union and some NGOs plan to oppose handing over tribal lands for the cement company's use.

The Hindu Business Line reports that the Khasi and NGOs issued a statement April 6, 2010, stating that Lafarge had obtained its EIA clearance fraudulently, making the clearance invalid. In another blow to the company, the two organizations claim that the Lafarge mining plant in Shella Village belongs to the tribe, not the government.

A Supreme Court ruling last week ordered Lafarge to obtain a new EIA clearance for their desired mining activity in Meghalaya. (/reg)