The Shekhawati region, known for its sandy soil, rocky terrain, and farmlands, may be blessed with a new mineral resource in the coming years. Preparations are underway for Rajasthan’s first uranium mining and processing project in Royal Village, Khandela, in the Sikar district.
With an estimated cost of approximately ₹3,000 crore, the project is targeted for completion by 2030. Over 500 acres of land are being acquired for this project. If the project proceeds, it could impact Shekhawati’s industrial landscape and local employment opportunities.
According to a media report, the administration is preparing to conduct a survey of landholders for this project, linked to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL). This survey will assess their socio-economic status, dependence on agriculture, and employment opportunities.
Based on the survey report, aspects related to compensation and rehabilitation will be worked out. According to available information, the land acquisition process is targeted to be completed by April next year.
After Royal Village, Other Areas in Focus
The presence of uranium in Royal Village in the Khandela region was confirmed in 2005. Uranium-rich mineral resources were discovered across 1,086.46 hectares. Project details indicate an estimated reserve of approximately 12 million tons.
However, this figure should be understood in the context of the estimated mineralised area or ore, rather than the pure amount of uranium metal. The Mineral Department issued a Letter of Intent (LOI) for mining in 2022 in response to UCIL’s application. Now, land, water, and environmental clearances will be crucial for the project to proceed.
Hope in Jhunjhunu’s Udaipurwati area, Nrusinghapuri, and Neemkathana.
Following the Royal Project, surveys are also expected to be conducted for uranium potential in Jhunjhunu’s Udaipurwati area, Nrusinghapuri, and Neemkathana. However, confirmation of reserves in these areas and the decision on commercial mining will depend on further surveys and investigations.
Water to be supplied via pipeline from Sikar
To meet the water needs of the uranium project, plans have been announced to supply water via pipeline from Sikar city. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between the Municipal Council and UCIL for this purpose.
According to project details, the plan is to extract uranium-rich ore by digging to a depth of approximately 400 feet in the villages of Royal and Suhagpura. A tunnel approximately one kilometre long and six metres wide is also envisaged for mining. The tunnel is estimated to cost approximately ₹22 crore. Environmental clearance and other necessary approvals will be crucial for the project’s progress.
Investment of ₹3,000 crore, 5,000 jobs expected
Media reports indicate that the project is estimated to cost approximately ₹3,000 crore. It is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for approximately 5,000 people in Sikar district. However, the actual employment figures will depend on the project’s size, construction speed, and operational requirements.
Khetri’s copper mining is also known for attracting soldiers, entrepreneurs, and expatriate businesspeople.
Shekhawati is already known for Khetri’s copper mining area (Asia’s largest project, KCC) and for attracting soldiers, entrepreneurs, and expatriate businesspeople. If the uranium project progresses, it could create new opportunities in mining, transportation, construction, and local services.
Now, learn about uranium’s use.
Various media reports on uranium state that it is a naturally occurring radioactive metallic element. Its primary use is as a fuel in nuclear reactors, where it can generate electricity. After uranium ore is extracted from the mine, it is processed to separate the uranium-rich material. It is then prepared for use in subsequent industrial phases.
However, the Khandela project is a major industrial initiative with potential for the Shekhawati region. Only after land acquisition, environmental clearance and other formal processes are completed will the picture of its actual progress and the benefits to the local people become clear.
