The Mines Ministry on Friday stated that it had consulted the Tamil Nadu government before proceeding with the auction of the Nayakkarpatti tungsten block. The ministry emphasized that no objections were raised by the state, or any other parties, regarding the sale at the time.

This statement follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s request to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to cancel the mining rights awarded for the tungsten block in Madurai district. Stalin cited concerns over the region’s status as a biodiversity heritage site and the opposition from local communities to mining activities.

The government’s response sought to clarify that all necessary procedures were followed and that no opposition was communicated at the time of the auction. The ongoing controversy reflects the tensions between development interests and environmental protection in the region.