Licensed bauxite mine operators can breathe a sigh of relief as mining is set to resume next year.
Although the moratorium ended on March 31, no bauxite mining and export activities were allowed in Pahang, leaving operators anxiously waiting to resume work after four years.
Pahang Mining Operators Association vice-president Datuk Yap Soon Huat welcomed the statement by Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar on Monday to issue mining licences by the end of next month or early next year.
He described it as good news for the bauxite industry in Pahang.
“Finally, there is something to cheer after a long wait. The mining licences will be issued and followed by a six-month trial period... this will allow mining and export of the ore.
“We want to move on. Let the trial run be conducted to gauge the effectiveness of the new standard operating procedure. I believe once mining begins, the authorities can monitor and make changes if necessary,” he said.
Felda Bukit Goh Village Community Management Council chief Jefri Salim said the settlers were relieved to learn that the government would allow mining next year.
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