Govt should build infrastructure to process bauxite - Geogologist
SHAMSUDDIN: If the government builds its own bauxite processing factory in a designated area, away from residential areas, we can control pollution and make bigger profits.
The government should study the possibility of building its own infrastructure to process bauxite, rather than continue to allow export it in ore form to maximise the value of the natural resource.
Universiti Putra Malaysia Soil Mineralogy expert, Assoc Prof Dr Shamsuddin Jusop said this was because the mineral content or basalt, which formed bauxite around Kuantan areas was found to contain various elements that would offer higher value if processed compared with if sold in raw form.
"If the government builds its own bauxite processing factory in a designated area, away from residential areas, we can control pollution and make bigger profits," he told Bernama, Friday.
He said the 18,000 hectares and two to three metres above ground areas around Bukit Goh in Kuantan contained elements such as aluminum, iron, titanium, chromium, nickel as well as other elements.
"Among the most sought after is aluminium, which makes up 12 per cent of bauxite and is the main material being exported at the moment. The iron element is also high namely about 13 percent and titanium with two per cent," he said.
Shamsuddin said the iron and titanium contained in the mined bauxite would be more valuable if they were processed here.
Commenting on the long-term effects that could be caused by bauxite mining activity in Kuantan, Shamsuddin said it could last for nearly 20 years if it was not properly regulated.
He said the most significant long-term impact would be a serious destruction of the agricultural and plantation areas.
"When the agricultural land and oil palm plantations are dug up, it can badly affect the agricultural production and even we will lose agricultural resources due to the land pollution," he said.
He said agricultural land used in mining activity would also be contaminated with chromium, whereas cost for restoring the polluted land would be very high.
Asked about suggestions to reduce risks posed by rampant bauxite mining activity, Shamsuddin said the government should tighten control over small miners comprising individual land owners in the area.
"Do not let land owners to carry out their bauxite mining activity as it will only bring about negative impacts on themselves," said Shamsuddin.
He said the government should also consider to build a proper transportation infrastructure such as railways, which could be used to transport bauxite in a more systematic way to avoid possible pollution.
Must-Watch Video
Stay updated with our news