The Indian Supreme Court has clarified its ruling on Vedanta Resources plc attempt to mine bauxite on Niyamgiri mountain in Orissa - but it is only a partial victory for the tribal communities who depend on the mountain and its forests for their survival.

Following their ruling in October the Supreme Court has clarified the position and in doing so barred the UK based mining company Vedanta, from mining bauxite from the top of the sacred Niyamgiri mountain for the time being.

Only a partial victory

However the Court has allowed an opening for Vedanta to resubmit a proposal to mine in the area dependent upon the company fulfilling a number of criteria.

These include the establishment of an Indian joint venture to ensure the income generated stays in India, and the provision of environmental and social compensation agreements under a so called “special purpose vehicle”.

ActionAid India's Director Babu Matthew cautiously welcomed the decision but warned "there have been too many such arrangements that have failed in the past."

“Any mining in Niyamgiri will create two kinds of catastrophe.  It could cause irreversible, ecological damage and could also cause the complete destruction of the tribal way of life.”

A way of life at risk

As ActionAid and local tribal groups demonstarted at the AGM in London in August, mining on Niyamgiri Mountain will be a disaster for the three tribal groups that have lived on the mountain for generations.

ActionAid will be working with the tribal groups as they continue their fight to protect their homes and way of life.