Pahang miners must adhere to SOP in order to get bauxite mining approval; MP suggests trial run

With the enforcement of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite mining and export in Pahang, interested parties can now apply for mining licence, Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said. The miners need to adhere to the SOP in order to get the approval from the Pahang state government to carry out mining in the state.

"In order to secure approval, mining operators will have to adhere to the new SOP which has been introduced with more stringent regulations of the industry," he said.

Xavier said this during the World Elephant Day celebration at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre in Lanchang.

According to New Straits Times the state government, through the Land and Mines Office (PTG), will be responsible for issuing permits to mining operators and the approval to resume work will be under the jurisdiction of the state.

The miners have to first get a compliance certificate from the Minerals and Geosciences Department in accordance with the Operational Mining Scheme (OMS) and go through an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before getting state approval.

Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh suggested that a trial run be carried out to ensure smooth running of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite mining and export. She said that it is important to run a pilot project at selected bauxite mining sites for a smooth start.

“So far, the SOP is only on paper and we have yet to see it in operation (physically)..."It is best to start on a small scale first and rectify problems that come along the way including possible pollution before allowing mining activities to resume,” she said.

She urged the government not to decide in a hurry and give immediate approvals for earning quick profit.  She insisted on people's safety and well-being. She also urged the government to avoid water contamination. Fuziah suggested both the federal and state governments should monitor the proper enforcement of the SOP.

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