SAHABAT Alam Malaysia (SAM) is firmly opposed to the proposed open-cast mining for manganese ore in Aring 6, Mukim Relai, Gua Musang, which will damage over 200ha of land, cause serious water pollution, and destroy wildlife habitats and the natural environment, which must be protected and conserved.
We are most concerned that open-cast/strip mining has been proposed for this project by Nadi KW Sdn Bhd, as disclosed in an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report that is currently under review.
Despite the well-known dangers of open-cast/strip mining in other countries, which have seen significant damage to the environment, it is shocking that such a proposal is under consideration in Kelantan.
To make matters worse, the EIA revealed that the project had already cleared 117.32ha (57%) of land and work had begun (80% of the pre-operation stage completed) before the report was submitted. This is an offence under the Environmental Quality Act 1974, Section 34(A)(6).
How the company was allowed to start work even before the EIA report’s approval is a mystery and requires clarification from the Environment Department (DoE).
We are very concerned that the EIA process will rubber-stamp the mining operations and legitimise the illegal works.
Based on SAM’s review of the EIA, we would like to highlight three other serious concerns about this proposed project.
Based on the information provided, it is evident that the mining operations will affect the ecosystem to the extent that there will be irreparable damage to the environment.
The water modelling results give rise to serious concerns about water pollution, even with the proposed mitigation measures in place. Many parameters, especially heavy metals, will exceed the baseline levels and be classified as Class V, or the most polluted, when the mining begins.
This is a serious concern especially when the Lebir Water Treatment Plant is located just 1km downstream from the project site. The recent flooding in the downstream area of Sg Kelantan has raised worries about water pollution, too.
While the proposed project may not be affected by the flooding, it can potentially increase the frequency of flash floods in the downstream area, as confirmed by the EIA report. Acid-mine drainage is another serious concern stemming from the mining industry.
As confirmed in the EIA, “the project site is a wildlife habitat, and the proposed mining is an intrusion into wildlife’s natural habitats”. The study area is home to animals like Asian elephants, clouded leopards, small-clawed otters, dusky langur, sun bears and tapirs. Most of these creatures are categorised as near-threatened, vulnerable and endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red Data Book 2020.
Besides that, most species of birds recorded in the study area are totally protected or protected by the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010. Allowing mining there will also exacerbate human-wildlife conflicts – there are already recorded complaints within a 5km radius of the project site.
Having a mining site in a location categorised as an Environmentally Sensitive Area (Rank 3) can cause an adverse ecological impact.
Moreover, from the socio-economic perspective, the EIA reveals that 53% of the respondents consulted disagreed with the project.
To compound matters, the site may also be part of the territory of indigenous communities. There is an Orang Asli village nearby, and the area provides residents with sources of their livelihood and clean water. There should not be any licence issued to companies that can disrupt the customary rights of these individuals.
Based on the above, SAM calls for the following actions:
1. We urge DoE to reject the EIA report.
2. The project’s proponent should be directed to rehabilitate the area that has been cleared, and stern action should be taken against them for starting the project before securing approvals.
3. The Kelantan government should take note of the ongoing environmental and social issues brought about by open-cast mining projects around the world, and from previous local experience. We call on the state government and federal Mineral and Geoscience Department not to allow the project to continue.
We would like to alert the public that the notification and executive summary of the EIA report for this proposed project are being displayed by the DoE. The full report can be accessed online, and the deadline for public feedback submission is June 15. – The Vibes, June 10, 2021
Meenakshi Raman is president of Sahabat Alam Malaysia
