Commodity Online
PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia): Malaysia has rejected the allegation that gold mining will cause health hazards and environmental pollution in the country.

In a statement, natural resources and environment minister Datuk Douglas Unggah Embas has rejected claims that gold mining activities would lead to environmental damage and health risks.

Villagers in Kampung Sungai Lui and Bukit Koman, Raub are up in arms over goal mining in the area as they are living about five metres away from the mine.

The minister said an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was approved after studies showed that the carbon in leach technology used would not affect the environment and safety of the villagers.

This technology had been referred to foreign bodies such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Mineral and Energy, Western Australia, which found it to be viable and safe.

Complaints by the villagers were considered way before the EIA approval was given. Mitigating measures as to the use of cyanide had also been put into place, he said.

Unggah said the use and delivery of cyanide for the activities came under the purview of the international cyanide management code for manufacturers and use of cyanide in the production of gold.

The Barisan Nasional government will always remain sensitive to whatever industries or activities taking place in this country, including gold mining.

“That is why we have enacted various laws and guidelines to govern and monitor the industries, including gold mining activities.”

A news portal had reported that about 3,000 villagers wanted the mining company to stop its operations.

Led by members of the Action Committee Against the Use of Cyanide, they wanted the company to provide the EIA report and to stop the project.

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