Future of bauxite mining in hands of Pahang govt

THE future of bauxite mining in Pahang will be thrashed out in a meeting between the state authorities and the government as a moratorium continues until the end of the year.

But Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar said any decision on bauxite mining would be made by the state government, as mining permits come under its purview.

“I have now asked for another meeting with the state authorities, the mentri besar and his team to talk to me about the future of bauxite mining in Pahang.

“We want to know if they are interested in pursuing it or they don’t want bauxite mining anymore,” he told reporters.

The meeting with Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, said Dr Xavier, would take place in about two weeks.

“I will then hold another meeting with the industry players to get their views on the matter,” he said.

Dr Xavier said he recently met state elected representatives and Members of Parliament from Pahang to brief them on the current situation.

The discussions, he added, also touched on matters such as environmental degradation due to bauxite mining and the remaining stockpile.

The moratorium on bauxite mining, Dr Xavier confirmed, would be enforced until Dec 31.

Bauxite miners in the state are demanding that the government give a clear answer on whether they can continue mining.

The moratorium was imposed in January 2016 following public uproar over environmental degradation.

It was estimated that some 20 million tonnes of bauxite were mined in Pahang in 2015.

We want to know if they are interested in pursuing it or they don’t want bauxite mining anymore.

Dr Xavier Jayakumar