Kota Kinabalu: Gold mining is emerging as a vital contributor to Sabah's economy, signaling a new chapter in the state's ongoing diversification and industrial growth.
The resurgence of the Bukit Mantri gold mine now producing between 60 to 70 kg of gold doré bars per month marks the return of large-scale gold production in Malaysia and reinforces the sector's significance to both state and national development.
Operated by Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd (WRSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AuMAS Resources Berhad, which is the only fully integrated gold mining and production company listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities, Bukit Mantri represents more than just economic potential.
It symbolises Sabah’s return to its historic roots in mineral development and its future as a critical player in the national mining industry.
The operation currently employs over 350 local workers. The mine is positioned as a long-term asset contributing to Malaysia's export earnings and industrial ecosystem.
Sabah’s mining heritage dates back to the late 19th century with the discovery of gold in the Segama River basin, attracting early prospectors and foreign investment.
Commercial operations began in early 1900s with Borneo Gold Mines Limited at Bukit Mantri, alongside the historic Silimpopon coal mine in Tawau, which once employed thousands and powered international steamship routes.
The Mamut Copper Mine from 1975 to 1999, further cemented Sabah’s place in Malaysia’s mining history. At its peak, the mine produced 672,000 metric tons of copper and over 48 metric tons of gold, though its closure left behind environmental challenges and a vacuum in mineral production.
That vacuum began to close in 2013 when Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd, backed by Australian consultants, confirmed the viability of renewed gold extraction at Bukit Mantri.
The project has since matured into a fully operational mine under AuMAS, aligning with Malaysia’s broader goals to develop sustainable and high-impact industries.
Today, Sabah’s mining sector, particularly gold, plays a renewed and strategic role in economic planning. With global demand for gold rising, Sabah’s gold mining activities are poised to generate substantial foreign exchange income, while also reinforcing national supply chains for precious metals.
By harnessing its mineral wealth, Sabah contributes to national objectives of economic diversification, job creation, and investment attraction.
As mining technology continues to evolve and environmental safeguards are strengthened, the industry in Sabah is set to grow in both scale and sustainability. Industry observers believe the Bukit Mantri model may become a blueprint for responsible resource development in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the Sabah Government is intensifying efforts to rejuvenate its mining sector, leveraging partnerships with federal agencies, industry experts, and academia amid rising global precious metal prices.
This renewed focus comes as part of a broader economic diversification strategy inspired by the state’s successful ventures in the oil and gas sector.
The government has been working closely with the Mineral and Geoscience Department (JMG), the National Geoscience Communities (NGC), and national universities to lay the groundwork for sustainable industry growth.
A significant milestone in this effort and key event was the 39th Conference of the Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM) in Tawau from Sept. 18-20 which gathered more than 400 academics, professionals and government backgrounds, signaling growing momentum within Malaysia’s geoscience and mining communities.
GSM President Dr Meor Hakif Amir Hassan urged geoscientists to take a proactive role in shaping a sustainable and resilient mining future for Malaysia.
He emphasized that every stakeholder — from researchers to policymakers — plays a vital part in translating knowledge into sound policies, research initiatives, and responsible mining practices.
Among notable attendees were Datuk Zamri, Director General of JMG Malaysia; Prof. Dr. Rodeano Roslee of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS); Dr Frederick Francis Tating of JMG Sabah; Prof. Dr Mohd Fakhrurrazi Ishak of Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA); and Dr Herve Traineau of CFG Geothermal.
Experts agreed that platforms like the NGC, universities, and government institutions serve as crucial catalysts for fostering a culture of knowledge sharing, building collaborative networks, and applying innovative solutions to develop natural and human resources in the face of global challenges.
The conference also included a technical visit to WRSB’s Bukit Mantri gold mine, where participants observed firsthand the progress of ongoing exploration and sustainable mining practices in the state.
