THE Sarawak government is planning to go big on mining after discovering some RM 1.25 trillion worth of gold, rare earth, bauxite and other precious metals.
The state’s Geological Department has recently concluded a survey encompassing 32% of the total 12.4 million hectares of land in Sarawak and found numerous minerals, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan.
“A survey by the state geological experts on 32% of our state land area already found an estimated RM 1.25 trillion worth of minerals.
“These minerals included gold, rare earth, bauxite and other precious metals and there is enormous potential for more discoveries.
“We are planning to survey another 30% of the state. We have 12.4 million hectares of land in Sarawak and are confident of finding more new mineral deposits,” he said.
He said gold was initially found only in Bau district (southern Sarawak).
“We now have discovered big gold deposits in Sri Aman district (central Sarawak) and are planning to use Canadian technology to tap the mineral resources in Sarawak,” he said after a Hari Raya korban meat distribution event near Kuching.
Amar said he had just returned from a trip to Canada to study their mining expertise.
“We in Sarawak will utilise their technology here,” he said.
The plan for intensive mineral mining in Sarawak follows the recent announcement that the state government is going to construct 10 more hydroelectric dams statewide. – June 18, 2024
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