Kota Kinabalu: Lands and Surveys Director cum Chief Inspector of Mines Datuk Bernard Liew said the State Government is fully concerned with any move to stop or close the gold mining activities at Bukit Mantri, in Tawau.
He said the adverse and negative implications can directly impact State revenue collection from 5 per cent royalties of gold, copper, silver and any other associated minerals or metals produced from mining operations.
He said this in response to questions raised by both Unity Government component PKR and opposition Parti Warisan over the legality of the controversial mining operations, as well as compliance to Environment Department regulations.
“The Mineral system in Sabah is governed by the Sabah Land Ordinance Cap. 68 and the Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960,” he said in a statement, Wednesday.
“With regards to Operational Mining Scheme (OMS), it is under the jurisdiction and approval by the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Director in Sabah.
“Whereas for EIA, it is under the jurisdiction and approval by the Director of Environmental Protection Department. Both matters are also regulated under the Mining Agreements with Special Terms annexed to the Mining Lease CL.105681141,” he said.
He said all matters related to OMS and EIA must be consistent with the provision under Section 18(d) Sabah Mining Ordinance 1960 that owner and operators are required to continually and efficiently carry on mining operations on the land.
“Continuous and coordinated inspections by Lands and Surveys Department together with office of State Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Department and Drainage and Irrigation Department were being carried out and to ensure that the strict compliance to all conditions and regulatory requirements are fulfilled,” he said.
On the other note, he said the welfare of workers is being taken utmost care by avoiding any potential retrenchment, if mining operation is halted.
It is further noted that the Environmental Protection Department confirmed that there is no breach of EIA conditions.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.