Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren made headlines on Friday by positioning his mineral-rich state as a powerhouse for India's nuclear ambitions, declaring that its vast uranium reserves could play a pivotal role in manufacturing nuclear weapons. Speaking at the Defence East Tech symposium in Ranchi, Soren extended an open invitation to the central government, pledging full cooperation to bolster the nation's self-reliance in defense under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
"Jharkhand is endowed with uranium and can contribute significantly to nuclear weapon manufacturing," Soren emphasized, highlighting the state's strategic assets. "The state government is ready to cooperate fully with the Centre to make the defense sector self-reliant." Uranium, a critical fissile material, forms the backbone of nuclear arsenals, and Soren's remarks underscore Jharkhand's potential to fuel India's expanding nuclear program amid global security challenges.
Jharkhand boasts approximately 70% of India's total uranium reserves, primarily concentrated in the East Singhbhum district. Iconic sites like the Jaduguda uranium mine—India's first, operational since 1967—along with Bhatin, Narwapahar, Bagjata, Turamdih, Banduhurang, and Mohuldih, are managed by the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL). These underground and opencast operations produce up to 25% of the raw materials needed for the country's nuclear reactors, processing over 2,190 tonnes of ore daily into yellow cake at local mills before shipment to Hyderabad's Nuclear Fuel Complex.
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Recent discoveries have amplified the state's promise: In January 2025, the Department of Atomic Energy unearthed massive high-quality deposits in the Gudabanda block of East Singhbhum using advanced heli-borne geophysical surveys, reaching depths of 600 meters. Local leaders, including Education Minister Ramdas Soren, hailed the find as a boon for national energy security and economic prosperity, potentially transforming tribal communities through jobs and infrastructure.
However, the sector isn't without controversy. Mining activities have raised environmental and health concerns, with reports of radiation exposure affecting around 35,000 residents near tailing ponds in Jaduguda. UCIL maintains that India's low-grade ores pose minimal risks and has improved living standards for over 4,700 employees, mostly locals. Soren's government aims to balance growth with sustainability, eyeing new ventures to harness these resources responsibly.
The symposium, attended by defense experts and industry leaders, focused on eastern India's role in indigenizing military tech. Soren's bold pitch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a $25 billion defense corridor in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, potentially extending benefits to Jharkhand's industrial hubs like Adityapur and Ranchi. As India eyes enhanced nuclear deterrence, Soren's offer could catalyze joint ventures, job creation, and a stronger foothold in global arms manufacturing, marking a new chapter for the "Land of Forests."
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