LICENSED bauxite mining operators here have pledged to comply with the new standard operating procedure (SOP) to be announced by the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry.
They believe that the conditions would be similar to those drafted before the moratorium was imposed, which they had strictly adhered to.
According to them, illegal miners who used lorries with wooden storage compartments were the culprits and had contributed to pollution, forcing the government to impose the moratorium.
A major transport operator, who was previously involved in transporting bauxite minerals, said the company had about 100 tipper dumper lorries that met the requirements set by the ministry. She said her company was also involved in earthworks, and was well-prepared to adhere to the new rules required for bauxite mining.
“We are prepared and we expect the new SOP will be similar to the one introduced before the moratorium. We expect no drastic change to the SOP.
“Wooden cargo lorries will not be allowed to transport bauxite to Kuantan Port from mining sites. It was the cause of dust pollution in the past.
“Only lorries with metal storage compartments will be allowed to transport the mineral.”
She said previously, companies that provided lorries to transport bauxite were required to provide images of the vehicle’s road tax, insurance, government approval and the driver’s details to the Land and Mines Office (PTG).
“The licensed operators usually worked closely with the villagers and when we receive reports about damaged roads, we will immediately send our teams to carry out repairs.
“Soon, only mining operators and transport companies approved by the PTG will operate in Kuantan.
“We will know which mining community conducts its activities illegally,” she added.
Meanwhile, a mining company employee who declined to be named said tipper lorries transporting bauxite in April would have to be registered with the PTG and they could no longer escape scrutiny from the law.
“Transport companies will be required to provide road tax, permits, drivers’ information and other documents related to the vehicle to the PTG, which will inspect the lorry to ensure the vehicles meet standards to travel on the road,” he added.
Pahang Mining Operators Association vice-president Datuk Yap Soon Huat assured that bauxite mining would be closely scrutinised as operators had been instructed to self-regulate their operations.
“Everyone has to play their role and action will be taken against those who fail to adhere to the rules.
“In the past, we were handling about two million tonnes monthly, including the illegal ones, but this time, the volume will be smaller. The association has been regularly holding meetings to ensure everything goes smoothly.
“Only genuine industry players are involved in the mining industry and there won’t be opportunities for illegal miners,” he said.
Former natural resources and environment minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was reported as saying that previously, the rules and regulations were prepared during the moratorium period, but industry players did not play their part, such as getting the model of approved lorries.