KUALA LUMPUR – A proposed mining project in Hulu Perak looms over yet another environmentally sensitive area in the state, threatening to destroy the environment and impact local wildlife.
The new project that has just been brought to light is located in Kenering, Hulu Perak, spanning over 2,162ha.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) president Meenakshi Raman said the site is situated in the central forest spines (CFS) range and has been classified as a Rank 1 environmentally sensitive area (ESA), with the proposed mining project being carried out by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd.
In a statement today, she said only controlled activities such as low-impact nature tourism and activities for research and educational purposes are allowed within Rank 1 ESAs to avoid damage and disturbance of the surrounding environment.
“Mining cannot be considered a low-impact activity.
“The CFS must be totally protected, and it is indeed shocking that such mining activity is being conceived in such an environmentally sensitive area,” she said.
SAM had learned about the proposed mining project from the environmental impact assessment (EIA), which was published online for public feedback on July 7.
The project involves in situ leaching and beneficiation of lanthanide, which require the injection of mining chemical solutions into the ground to flush out intended mineral to be further processed.
Meenakshi said the method is uncommon and new in the country, requiring greater scrutiny.
The project is located upstream of Sg Rui, a tributary of Sg Perak, and any degradation of the surface or groundwater can lead to a portion of these watersheds and their ecosystems being affected.
Local communities at nearby settlements from Kg Pong and Kg Orang Asli Bukit Asu are at risk of having their water sources contaminated by the proposed mining activities.
“Any release of reactants such as sulphuric acid during setup could have catastrophic consequences for communities downstream.
“The mining activity poses a high risk of increasing the concentrations of ammonium and radionuclides such as thorium in the existing environment, which will directly affect the local communities and their access to drinking water.
“The project will be using ammonium sulphate as the key chemical, and the groundwater modelling results in the EIA already show a high risk of ammonium and sulphate contamination from plantations within the proposed mining area,” Meenakshi said.
Based on the EIA, the project will also be detrimental towards the diverse wildlife that inhabit the proposed site.
Meenakshi said endangered and threatened species such as Malayan tigers, panthers, elephants, tapirs, sun bears, and wild boars are found at the proposed mining site.
“Besides that, 194 types of bird species listed as totally protected and 11 other bird species listed as protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 (Act 716), will be affected if this project is allowed to be carried out.
“SAM calls on the Environment Department to reject the project and not allow any mining activity at the proposed site,” she said. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021
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