Latest news with #MineralsandGeoscienceDepartment
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt identifies sites with rare earth mining potential
KUALA LUMPUR: An estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside permanent forest reserves (PFR) have the potential to be developed into rare earth element (REE) mines. Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this is based on a review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG). "Based on studies under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the JMG identified inferred REE resources amounting to 16.1 million metric tonnes. "However, further studies are still needed to determine the quantity of measured resources and eventually, mineable reserves. "A further review by JMG estimated approximately 144,220 hectares of land outside PFR as having potential to be developed into REE mines, subject to further assessment and relevant approvals," he said in a written parliamentary reply. He added that the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, encompassing upstream, midstream, and downstream levels in line with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 in a responsible and sustainable manner. He said to ensure REE mining operations are conducted safely, sustainably, and responsibly, JMG, as the main technical agency will regulate mining activities through the enforcement of the Mineral Development Act 1994, including pollution control and operational safety monitoring on a periodic basis. "Taking Perak as a regulatory model, this oversight is further strengthened by the establishment of the Perak State REE Mining Technical Regulatory Committee, which involves collaboration from 10 technical agencies at both the federal and state levels," he said. He added that the ministry has also appointed the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to conduct an environmental impact assessment study on REE mining on forest ecosystems. This includes preliminary studies conducted at the REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction takes place on a rubber plantation. "In terms of technology, the current REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Gerik, Perak, is being carried out using in-situ leaching (ISL) methods in collaboration with Chinese technology partners. "However, it is the ministry's policy to encourage the development of local expertise, particularly in the upstream and midstream sectors, through structured and progressive technology-sharing initiatives. "The government is committed to ensuring that the development of this industry strikes a balance between economic potential and public concerns including pollution risks, water source safety, public health, and local technological capacity," he said. Johari said the government would continue efforts through collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the development of Malaysia's REE industry achieves the goals of economic prosperity, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability. He was responding to Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) who asked the ministry's position on REE, findings of studies that led to the ministry's decision to encourage REE mining activities, and how the ministry is balancing public concerns regarding pollution risks, technological limitations, water source safety, and public health in the interest of the public.
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Well-organised rings linked to illegal mineral mining, says Forestry Dept D-G
KOTA BARU: Illegal mineral mining activities in Peninsular Malaysia are increasingly sophisticated and may involve well-organised syndicates. This was revealed by Peninsular Malaysia Forestry Department director-general Datuk Zahari Ibrahim. He said investigations into recent cases, particularly in Kelantan and Pahang, suggest the existence of structured operations, some of which likely operate under the control of syndicates. "Illegal mining on tenement land can occur either with or without syndicate involvement. However, several cases show clear signs of systematic operations, possibly coordinated by organised groups," he told the New Straits Times. He said syndicate-linked mining typically involves heavy machinery such as excavators and gold sluices, 4WD vehicles, motorcycles, generators, water pumps, welding machines, and the bulk use of fuel supplies, including oil storage drums. "There is also widespread use of foreign and local labour. We suspect the illegal miners are operating in hotspot areas that have approved mineral exploration licences, using these permits as a smokescreen to evade enforcement authorities. "These individuals exploit the gaps in monitoring by disguising their illegal activities under the guise of legitimate exploration," Zahari said. The department, he said, has adopted a multi-agency approach to combat illegal gold mining, especially in forest reserves. He added that among the measures implemented were satellite image monitoring to detect changes in forested areas, with intelligence processed through the department's War Room. Others are joint patrols and periodic monitoring of approved exploration sites with state-level enforcement agencies, including the police, the Minerals and Geoscience Department, the State Land and Mines Office, the Department of Environment and the Immigration Department. "We also deploy advanced surveillance tools such as drones and the SMART Forestry Patrol application and install road barriers to restrict access to Permanent Forest Reserves," he added. They have also set up permanent control checkpoints under the Integrated Khazanah Operations in critical areas. Zahari reaffirmed the department's commitment to tackling illegal mining, emphasising that collaboration across agencies was vital to protecting the nation's forest reserves and natural resources.
Daily Express
31-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Developing sustainable and inclusive geoparks
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: 'Together, PPGN and PLGN outline comprehensive strategies for planning, conservation, management, education and community participation, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' Jenneth said. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia is actively implementing the National Geopark Development Plan 2021–2030 (PPGN) as a key strategy to develop sustainable and inclusive geoparks across the country, said Minerals and Geoscience Department Deputy Director Jenneth Liliana Cyril. She said the implementation of PPGN plays a crucial role in ensuring geoparks in Malaysia serve not only as protected geological areas but also as catalysts for economic development, environmental education and local community wellbeing. 'Malaysia has made notable progress in geopark development, beginning with Langkawi's recognition as a Unesco Global Geopark (UGGp) in 2007, followed by Kinabalu Geopark being recognised as the country's second UGGp in 2023,' she said at the Malaysian Geopark Network Conference here. She noted that several other areas, including Jerai, Lembah Kinta, Labuan, Lenggong, Sarawak Delta, Stong, Gombak-Hulu Langat, Kenyir, Perlis and Lipis have been designated as National Geoparks. Moving forward to 2030, key targets include elevating Lenggong, Sarawak Delta and Gombak-Hulu Langat to UGGp status and recognising Melaka and Jelebu as new National Geoparks. 'The implementation of the National Geopark Development Plan is supported by the State Geopark Local Plan (PLGN), which will be adopted by state and local authorities once an area has received national geopark recognition. 'Together, PPGN and PLGN outline comprehensive strategies for planning, conservation, management, education and community participation, which is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),' Jenneth said. Advertisement She stressed that the real strength of geoparks lies in community involvement. 'Through the implementation of the Plan, local communities are empowered to engage in eco-tourism, small-scale heritage-based enterprises, conservation work and educational activities,' she added. These efforts, she said, contribute significantly to rural development and the economic empowerment of local populations. Janet reaffirmed JMG's commitment to working closely with State Governments, local authorities and international partners to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of the Plan. She hoped Malaysia's geoparks will continue to grow as internationally recognised and locally treasured spaces that balance nature, heritage and people. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perlis to look into controversial cafe in Kangar limestone cave
The interior of Gua Cenderawasih has been painted. — Photos: Bernama A special meeting involving key agencies will be convened to deliberate on the proposed development inside the Cenderawasih Cave in Perlis Geopark, following public concern over environmental sustainability. Yesterday, Perlis Mentri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli said the meeting involving several key agencies would be held about the proposed cafe within the cave in Bukit Lagi, Kangar. Earlier, Bernama reported that no official application had been received for technical review of the proposed cafe. Gua Cenderawasih lies within Perlis Geopark and features unique limestone formations. Under current planning procedures, any development involving geological sites must be referred to Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) by the local authority as part of the One-Stop Centre (OSC) process. JMG in a media statement, noted that development around limestone hills must comply with its published 'Guidelines for Determining Hazard Zones Around Limestone Hills' to ensure public safety. As the national agency overseeing geopark development, JMG said it remained committed to conserving geological resources and providing technical guidance on managing high-value geosites. The Perlis government had also earlier announced that the cafe project was suspended while it reviewed the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) guidelines on geosite conservation. The cafe proposal has drawn opposition from several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who warn that it can damage geological features that are hundreds of millions of years old. JMG advised that any geopark-related development should follow the National Geopark Development Plan (PPGN) 2021-2030 and the National Geopark Implementation Plan (PLGN). It also raised concerns about the potential risks posed by commercial facilities to the site's conservation value. Gua Cenderawasih features unique limestone formations, fossil-rich rock and rare geological structures dating back over 480 million years. JMG warned that actions like painting cave walls, building permanent structures or covering natural formations could degrade the site's scientific and aesthetic significance.
Malaysiakini
22-04-2025
- General
- Malaysiakini
No seabed tin mining in Manjung, says Saarani
No seabed tin mining activity is taking place along the coastal area or the estuary of Sungai Batu in the Manjung district, according to Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad. He said the Minerals and Geoscience Department has confirmed that no Mining Operation Scheme Approval Letter has been issued for mining activities in the area.
