Pahang miners urge government to lift moratorium on bauxite mining

Mining operators have urged the state government to allow bauxite mining activities after the moratorium end on December 31, 2018. LLT Group (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, director Datuk Seri Abdul Rahim Abdul, said a set of standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite mining activities have been handed to the federal government, New Straits Times reported. LLT Group, which is among the 20 mining companies, is registered under the Pahang Mineral Operators Association.

 “The state government and mining association had compiled a set of SOP and we are waiting for the feedback from the government.

The main concern is to mitigate environmental issues arising from bauxite mining and the new SOP will ensure that all the mineral are gathered at one main stockpile centre near the port.

“There will be no bauxite stockpile inside Kuantan Port as it will contaminate the surrounding area and sea water. Instead, all the mining operators will only be allowed to store the mineral at a 22.25 ha site with the capability of accommodating some two million tonnes of bauxite,” he said.

“We cannot compromise with pollution and dust so companies involved in mining activities have to be responsible. Enforcement officers from the Land and Mines Office will be also be stationed to ensure companies adhere to the rules or regulations or else they will face action.”

Abdul Rahim said lifting the moratorium on bauxite mining will benefit the mining operators, state and federal government.

 “The state government charge a royalty of RM8 for one tonne of bauxite and miners export millions of tonnes. In fact there are still many areas which has yet to be dug for the mineral.

“Since the moratorium was imposed, the mining companies have also been suffering losses as the excavators and machinery have been left unattended.”

The moratorium on bauxite mining activities in Pahang has been extended several times since 2016.