Kerala’s coastline is at the heart of a deepening conflict as the Union government pushes ahead with its deep-sea mining plans despite mounting opposition. The Centre’s decision to auction sand blocks for offshore mining in key coastal zones in Kerala has sparked statewide protests, with fisherfolk, environmental activists, and political leaders warning of irreversible ecological damage and the devastation of livelihoods.

The move is set to trigger a major standoff between Kerala and the Union government, as the state government, backed by the opposition, vows to fight the decision at all levels. The stakes are high – deep-sea mining has been widely criticised for its potential to disrupt marine ecosystems, exacerbate coastal erosion, and threaten the livelihoods of thousands of fishing families. 

The Kerala legislative Assembly, recognising the gravity of the situation, passed a resolution urging the Union government to immediately withdraw its decision. The resolution explicitly stated that “deep-sea mining would not only harm the biodiversity and ecosystem of the area but also disrupt the livelihoods of fishermen.” It also raised concerns over national security, warning that “allowing private companies to conduct deep-sea mining could lead to strategically important minerals falling into private hands, which may pose a threat to national security.”

Kerala had raised objections multiple times, cautioning that mining would severely affect the fragile deep-sea ecosystem. However, despite these repeated protests, the Centre proceeded with amendments to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, effectively disregarding Kerala’s concerns. The Assembly’s resolution expressed deep apprehension and called for an immediate reversal of the decision.   

Sand mining along the cost 

Serious concerns have emerged over the Union government’s proposed Rs 35,000-crore sand mining project off the Kerala coast. Official estimates indicate that sand extraction from the souther district of Kerala, Kollam, alone would be worth Rs 14,200 crore. Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorations reveal that Kerala’s coastal belt, particularly Ponnani, Chavakkad, Alappuzha, and Kollam, contains 74.5 crore tonnes of construction-grade sand, with three blocks in Kollam alone accounting for 30.24 crore tonnes. While private firms winning the bids must pay royalties to the Centre, Kerala will receive no share of the revenue, despite the sand being extracted from within its jurisdiction (within 12 nautical miles of the coast). 

The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and Fisheries Department warn that the Kollam shelf is a vital habitat for surface-dwelling fish species, including prawns, with nearly 30% of Kerala’s prawn supply coming from this region. Charles George, a fish workers’ leader in Kochi, criticised the large-scale project for lacking proper ecological assessments.

He pointed out that its impact on marine biodiversity, fish populations, and the livelihoods of coastal communities has not been studied. The Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedhi staged protests, warning that sand mining threatens fisheries and the delicate balance of rivers. Five blocks off Kerala’s coast could yield 275 million tonnes of sea sand, while the Kollam coast alone has the potential for 300 million tonnes. 

The ecological and livelihood threat

Official reports suggest that Kerala’s coastline, spanning nearly 600 km, is home to a diverse and ecologically rich marine environment. The state’s fisheries sector contributes significantly to its economy, with a total fisherfolk population of 10.65 lakh, out of which 8.20 lakh belong to the marine sector. The number of active fish workers registered in Kerala in 2023 stood at 2.37 lakh, with the highest numbers in southern districts. 

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Experts warn that the Centre’s push for deep-sea mining threatens to disrupt this delicate balance. Scientific studies indicate that deep-sea mining can cause long-term ecological damage, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and disruptions in fish populations. Moreover, the release of sediment plumes into the ocean could significantly impact water quality, affecting fish breeding patterns and diminishing catch levels, leading to loss of livelihoods for fishermen. 

Impact on marine ecosystem

The potential destruction caused by deep-sea mining is not limited to just fish stocks but extends to the very foundation of Kerala’s marine biodiversity. The ocean floor, where mineral extraction would take place, hosts delicate ecosystems, including coral reefs, deep-sea sponges, and species that are yet to be studied in depth. According to experts, a disruption in this ecosystem could lead to cascading effects, altering the food chain and reducing the population of marine organisms essential for maintaining ecological balance. Studies suggest that mining operations could increase ocean acidity, thereby threatening marine species that are highly sensitive to pH changes. 

Kerala’s blue economy vision versus Centre’s strategy

Interestingly, Kerala’s own planning documents have also emphasised the Blue Economy as a crucial area for development. The State Planning Board’s Port Working Group Report recognises mining from the sea as an economic opportunity but stresses the need for sustainability. The state’s alignment with the Centre’s Blue Economy policy raises critical questions.

While Kerala aims to leverage its marine resources, ports, and logistics sectors, its opposition to deep-sea mining exposes contradictions in its approach. The government of India’s Vision of New India – 2030 places Blue Economy as one of its ten core dimensions, aiming to increase its GDP share to 4.1% by 2030. The plan includes coastal tourism, offshore energy projects, and maritime logistics, but also encourages sea mining – a factor Kerala now opposes due to its adverse ecological impacts.

Despite the government’s push for economic benefits, studies indicate that unregulated seabed mining could accelerate coastal erosion, weakening natural buffers against extreme weather events such as cyclones and monsoons. Kerala’s coastal belt is already vulnerable to climate change-induced sea level rise, making any disruption in marine topography a high-risk proposition.

Scientific warnings and global concerns

Globally, deep-sea mining is under intense scrutiny. Studies have pointed out the unpredictable environmental impact of extracting polymetallic nodules and heavy minerals from the seabed. The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is yet to finalise regulations governing deep-sea mining, leading to growing calls for a global moratorium. Even corporations like BMW, Volvo, and Google have publicly opposed deep-sea mining, fearing irreversible environmental damage. For Kerala, these concerns are even more pressing given its coastal vulnerability and dependence on marine resources. 

Balancing growth and conservation

The deep-sea mining debate in Kerala is not just about ecology – it is a conflict between economic aspirations and environmental sustainability. While the Centre views seabed mining as a strategic asset, Kerala’s resistance comes from immediate livelihood concerns and long-term ecological repercussions.

Experts say that the lack of a clear governance framework for sustainable sand mining has already exacerbated coastal degradation in the state. Unless rigorous scientific assessments and community participation shape policy decisions, Kerala’s marine ecosystem risks irreparable damage.

The coming months will prove to be crucial in determining the future of deep-sea mining in Kerala. With fishermen unions planning continued protests, including a march to parliament on March 12, the political and social landscape is set to remain volatile. Environmental advocacy groups have also increased pressure on the International Seabed Authority to impose stricter regulations on seabed exploitation. The question now is whether Kerala’s fight against deep-sea mining will set a national precedent or if economic pressures will force a compromise.

As protests continue and legal battles loom, the crucial question remains: Can Kerala chart a sustainable course for its Blue Economy without compromising its fragile coastal ecology? The answer will determine the future of the state’s fishing communities and marine biodiversity in the years to come. If Kerala’s concerns are not adequately addressed, the state may face not only an ecological crisis but also a significant social and economic upheaval. The struggle over deep-sea mining in Kerala is not just about minerals – it is about the future of the people whose lives and culture are deeply connected with the sea.

K.M. Seethi is Director, Inter University Centre for Social Science Research and Extension (IUCSSRE), Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU), Kerala, India. He also served as Senior Professor of International Relations and Dean of Social Sciences at MGU. 

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