Malaysia’s bauxite export shrinks but continues; stockpiles still an issue at ports

We are nearing the end of 2017, and Malaysia’s bauxite export still continues to remain a riddle for the industry. Even after almost two years of banning bauxite mining to force illegal miners to meet environmental standards, Malaysia’s bauxite exports to one of its major markets- China have been continuing, though the volume has shrunk considerably in October 2017.

As per export-import data shared by China’s General Administration of Customs, bauxite export by Malaysia to China in October totalled 87,936 tonnes, down 65.37 per cent from the previous month. During January-November, total bauxite export by Malaysia to China totalled 4,690,766 tonnes, down 30.7 per cent year-on-year.

Malaysia halted bauxite mining in January 2016, but allowed exports to continue to deplete vast stockpiles at ports. Despite the restrictions, total bauxite exports from the country soared to 645039 tonnes in February 2017. From then till now, export volume of the ore has declined significantly to reach an estimated 371891 tonnes in November.

However, Pahang government in Malaysia still faces various problems relating to unregulated bauxite mining. "There are also stockpile operators who mine and transport bauxite even though they are issued the approval permits (APs) by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry," Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob said recently in the State Assembly.