KOTA KINABALU – Sabah has been urged to explain why gold mining operations in Tawau have been allowed to continue after its permit expired and a stop work order had been recommended.
Kalabakan Warisan chief Sarifuddin Hata pointed out that the Sabah Land and Survey Department Mining Management Scheme Approval to SouthSea Gold Sdn Bhd to mine gold in Bukit Mantri in Balung, Tawau expired on August 29 this year.
A Malaysian Mineral and Geosciences Department letter, sighted by the Sabah opposition leader, noted that since no new application for the mining scheme was made, it was recommended for the company to stop all mining activities.
Another letter issued by the department to Southsea Gold’s parent company, Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd, revealed their mining permit will not be considered until they resubmit a new mining scheme proposal.
The department also noted the firm was only allowed to do maintenance work until all the paperwork is settled.
Sarifuddin said the activities raised concern among the residents in terms of land stability, area safety, and environmental pollution.
He said the state government owes an explanation as to why mining still continued, though there was no approval from the Minerals and Geosciences Department.
“Did the mining company receive permission from the Land and Survey Department or the State Secretary's Office to continue mining activities at Bukit Mantri, though they have no approval from the Mineral and Geosciences Department?
“Mining operations are ongoing there until now, so the state government must provide an explanation,” he said.
‘Study safe mining methods’
In addition to this, Sarifuddin said companies must also submit an Environmental Impact Assessment approval letter and occupancy documents for areas other than the company's lot in that area.
Sarifuddin said studies should be conducted first to ensure such mining activities would be beneficial to Sabahans if indeed the mining area contains significant amounts of gold.
“We must prioritise the interests of the people and protect the environment. Ensure safe mining methods. Do not use cyanide methods,” he said.
Sarifuddin also called for swift and decisive action to prevent illegal mineral mining from spreading, which could result in a major disaster and jeopardise the safety of the people, as what happened in Kuantan.
Sarifuddin was referring to the ecological issues arising from the bauxite mining in Kuantan, Pahang several years ago.
Mining activities at Bukit Mantri started in 2017 with the first ounce of gold found in 2018.
It is understood the total mining area was 317.7 hectares, with a leasehold period ending in September 2048. – The Vibes, November 8, 2023
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