Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL): The Death Knell and Beyond

Abstract

The case study of export-led iron ore mining with its attendant social, legal, economic, and environmental dimensions is increasingly relevant as many similar cases are unfolding across India, pitting “development” against “conservation”. This analysis presents my perspective as a practising conservation scientist, who happened to play a long-term role beyond mere observation in this case as it unfolded over four decades. In the interest of full disclosure, I would like to state: (1) From 1966 onwards, I have hiked in these mountains as a young naturalist, and a student of engineering at what is now the National Institute of Technology, Surathkal; (2) In 1982-84, I had conducted an ecological survey of the endangered lion-tailed macaque discovering new populations in Kudremukh, eventually leading to the notification of the National Park in 1987 by the Government of Karnataka; (3) I have also been actively involved in the wildlife conservation advocacy in Kudremukh from the 1970s, and provided scientific advice to NGOs that finally litigated the issue in the Supreme Court of India, leading to the 2002 Judgment ordering closure of these mines by 2005. I believe the following issues are critical to understand the implications of this case for the wider ‘conservation vs development’ debate that is unfolding as the nation pursues often conflicting goals of achieving economic growth and social equity without undermining environmental sustainability.