GEORGE TOWN: Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) has urged the authorities in all states to formulate a "stronger plan" to prevent illegal rare earth mining activities from recurring.
The call by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) came on the heels of reports by the Negri Sembilan and Melaka authorities, which revealed the illegal activities that took place in Kuala Pilah.
SAM president Meenakshi Raman said actions must be taken against irresponsible quarters involved or colluded in the illegal mining operations in Kuala Pilah.
"Examples must be set as a future deterrent.
"Authorities in all states must also have a stronger plan in place to prevent such illegal activities from taking place in the first place.
"We can certainly ensure that a heavy penalty awaits any illegal operation that pollutes the environment and endangers public health, but if a crime has been committed, the damage is already done. Such an incident must not be allowed to repeat at all costs, anywhere, anytime, in the entire country," she said today.
SAM, she said, also called on the federal government to review its policy on rare earth mining.
"Rare earth mining is far too risky and dangerous for the environment and human health, outweighing any of its short-term economic benefits.
She added that SAM had long been opposed to rare earth mining, irrespective of the mining method used, due to its devastating impact on the environment and human health.
Meenakshi said there were two methods to mine rare earth minerals, namely the conventional open-cast mining and in-situ leaching method.
Both methods, she said, presented serious environmental and health impacts.
"According to the authorities, the in-situ leaching method used by the illegal miners in this case (Kuala Pilah), does not require large areas and uses liquid chemicals, including ammonium sulphate, to extract rare earth elements from the ground through holes that have been drilled and channelled to the catchment pond."
She cited the findings by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which showed producing one tonne of rare earth element could produce 2,000 tonnes of toxic waste, including 75 cubic metres of wastewater and a tonne of radioactive waste.
Meenakshi said groundwater contamination as the result of both methods of mining could take time to be controlled and mitigated.
"Groundwater contamination is a matter that must be taken seriously by all, especially in light of climate change and heat waves caused by El Nino, which are already causing immense pressure on our water resources."