Terms of reference for mining project rejected

KUANTAN: The terms of reference for a proposed rare earth mining project in Ulu Jelai have been rejected, it was disclosed.

It is learnt that the decision was conveyed by the Environment Department (DOE) in an online meeting held yesterday.

Suara Rakyat Malaysia’s People Before Profit desk coordinator B. Suresh Kumar, who attended the meeting, said the DOE did not approve the terms of reference due to certain policy matters that were not addressed.

According to the terms of reference, the proposed mining of lanthanide element ion adsorption deposit on three mining leases would encompass about 660ha in Ulu Jelai, Lipis, 35km to the east of Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands.

The project was proposed to be carried out using the in situ leaching mining method, which involved specially designed injection holes and collection tunnels, equipped with piping reticulation system networks to be implemented during the mine development stage.

The terms stated that the project site was located in a greenfield, logged out area previously under the Ulu Jelai Forest Reserve.

It also stated that the project site was located within a Rank 2 Environmental Sensitive Area.

Suresh said the DOE pointed out that the Orang Asli community in the area was a major stakeholder and their feedback was important.

“There are two settlements in the area, Pos Lanai and Kampung Jintir.

“For the Orang Asli in Pos Lanai, their primary concern is that the project will affect the water quality in the area. We do not know the opinion of the other settlement, ” he said.Suresh said the Orang Asli Development Department gave permission for the company involved to conduct a survey last year.

However, he said he was told by the Orang Asli in Pos Lanai that the company had not met them so far.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail is in charge of the natural resources and land portfolios, among others, in the state executive council. His office did not respond to a request for comment.

A check with the state Forestry Department found that it had not processed any application for a rare earth mine or presented any technical review of such a project.