KUALA LUMPUR: The revised guidelines and standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite-mining and exports are expected to be finalised before the end of the extended moratorium period in July.
Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri when met at parliament building said most of the details are being ironed out after numerous meetings with both the Pahang government and mining operators.
"We carried out engagements with mining operators, the last being held on Thursday. We hope to implement this before the moratorium ends.
“Things are looking good (for the implementation) as the operators had agreed with the new guidelines which include payment of royalty to the state government before the Approved Permit (AP) for export can be issued.
"They understand they can't proceed (with mining) until they comply with all the requirements by the ministry. These include preparing suitable lorries to transport bauxite to ensure that the mineral is contained properly and does not spill on the road during the transportation process.
“Their concern is business but we are concerned with the environment,” he said in the Dewan Negara today.
Hamim said the Pahang government had identified a designated route for transporting the minerals that will not go through residential schemes, adding that the Kuantan port was also in the progress of clearing its stockpile.
Hamim had earlier told the Dewan Negara that other improvements on the guidelines covered the requirement for small-scale mining sites to have a recovery plan, and the adoption of a 'one AP-one consignment' concept for AP issuance.
The moratorium period, which was supposed to end on April 15, was extended to give more time to the stakeholders to clear their remaining stockpiles.