Bauxite-mined land can be cultivated with a little extra effort, says farmer

The lush vegetation grown by Surin Deris, a settler, has shown that land formerly mined for bauxite can be cultivated, with a little bit of extra effort.

Surin, 68, a first generation settler in Tanah Rancangan Pemuda Bukit Goh, said the plants were grown about one month after bauxite mining activity was halted. Three acres of his plot of 5.5 acres had been leased to bauxite operators and mining works began in May 2015.

“Bauxite mining was stopped in October, last year. They had removed the top soil and dug holes (for removing bauxite) and in December, I started planting bananas.

“Since planting these plants. I only water the small palm trees while the banana trees and cassava still survive even in hot weather despite being rarely watered,” he told reporters at his farm on Saturday.

Surin, who has been working on the land since he was 18 years old, said he attempted to plant banana trees when he saw forest trees had begun growing on that empty ground.

“Many have said, former bauxite mined land are infertile. But I feel, if forest trees can grow, what more if trees are deliberately planted and cared for,” he said.

Several researchers have approached him to obtain soil samples for research purposes and Surin gave permission because he was also interested to know the results of the study.

“However, until now I have yet to be contacted (to know the results) from them (researchers),” he said, adding that it was important for the settlers to have knowledge and review the agreement with bauxite operators.

“If not reclaimed, it (bauxite mined area) will cause a huge hole and become a pool of water during heavy rain, therefore it is important for land owners to have knowledge of their land,” he said.

“The settlers do not have machinery and equipment to perform such works,” Surin said, adding that bauxite mining operators have to be trusted upon for the work and monitored closely to ensure that right procedures are being used during and post excavation, as detailed in the agreement.