Opening up more mines, quarries
The New Straits Times, 4th August 2004

KUALA LUMPUR, Tues – The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry wants to dig deeper into the potential of the country’s RM2 billion mineral industry by opening up more mines and quarries with the help of the private sector.

Apart from reviving abandoned tin mines to capitalize on the metal’s current price surge, the ministry has also unearthed new mineral sources, especially in Pahang and Kelantan.

Minister Datuk Seri Adenan Satem said mining companies were excited about the surging price for tin, which now fetches more than US$8,000 (RM30,400) per tonne, and were keen to revive the sector.

“The potential is obviously there. Geological reports have also revealed new sites and we are talking to the Malaysian Chamber of Mines’ representatives to promote the mineral industry,” Adenan said today.

He was speaking after attending a gathering with ministry staff at the Land Survey and Mapping Department.

Also present was Minerals and Geoscience Department director-general Dr Chu Ling Heng.

Metal-based minerals mined in Malaysia include gold, tin, bauxite and iron. The country also produces non-metal minerals such as coal, limestone, granite and feldspar.

Dr Chu said the department was focusing on developing the country’s industrial mineral resources, specifically limestone, granite and silica, which are widely in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

“Last year alone, Malaysia produced RM1.6 billion worth of non-metal mineral for local industries as well as for export,” he said adding that there was still plenty of room for growth.

The major snag, however, appears to be getting co-operation from State governments, which have the final say on mining and quarry concessions.

“It now depends on the willingness of the State Governments to participate. We can only advise them on how to optimize their resources and maintain the sustainability of the minerals,” he said.

Dr Chu also said that all mining proposals had to undergo and Environmental Impact Assessment study to ensure that they were safe and would not harm the environment.

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