Virtually ruling out the possibility of uranium mining in the state without a public consensus, Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today underscored the need for including all stakeholders to allay the apprehensions of health and environment hazards.

Briefing reporters about his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last Wednesday, Sangma advocated "a new approach which includes total engagement of all sections of people including civil societies, NGOs, through discussions, seminars, workshops and involving experts to find out if there is a solution to the apprehensions pertaining to health and environment issues."

Sangma said he impressed upon Singh that it was necessary for evolving a consensus before commencing the proposed mining project.

"The PM assured that necessary instructions will be given to the relevant ministries to support the approach of building a consensus on the issue," Sangma said.

"We have to address the concerns before going ahead with the project. We have to find out the answers to the apprehensions," the chief minister said, ruing that despite reports of various committees and house panel, a public consensus has not yet been arrived.

Meghalaya's uranium ore deposit is estimated to meet up to 16 per cent of the country's total demand.