KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Land and Minerals Office (PTG) has deployed three drones to monitor locations identified as having rare earth elements, in an effort to prevent illegal mining activities.
Its director, Datuk Rosnazli Amin, said that the use of drones is also necessary because many rare earth sites are difficult to access due to their hilly terrain, and some locations require crossing rivers, prompting the use of this technology.
"Rare earth elements (REE) have been found in large quantities in Jeli and Gua Musang. In addition to monitoring these locations, we also have to use drones to check for any suspicious mining activities.
"We're not only monitoring rare earth mining but also all types of mining, including gold and quarries. At the same time, we need information from the public, as these sites are not easily accessible and are not located along main roads. Some locations require four-wheel-drive vehicles for several hours of travel, while others are hilly or involve crossing rivers, which makes access difficult.
"We use drones to observe these sites and determine whether illegal mining is taking place," he told Berita Harian (BH) when contacted yesterday.
REE are crucial in the production of high-tech devices and green technologies. They are used in a wide range of applications, including in the defence industry for manufacturing radar systems, missiles, and jet engines.
Rosnazli added that PTG is constantly improving its monitoring and control efforts, despite facing manpower constraints, in order to prevent illegal mining activities, especially in the Hulu Kelantan area.
"That's why we welcome the public to provide information to help us monitor these locations. The illegal miners are also aware that these areas are deep in the forest, which emboldens them to carry out these illegal activities.
"For example, during a recent raid in Gua Musang, they had even built a workers' quarters at the site.
"Therefore, information from the public will help us target the exact locations more effectively," he said.
Previously, BH reported that the police had arrested 55 individuals when they uncovered an illegal rare earth mining operation in Gua Musang. The materials were collected and processed in Banting, Selangor, before being exported overseas.
All 55 individuals were detained during Operation Khazanah Khas 1/24 in three separate raids, two in Gua Musang and one in Banting, starting at 5.40am.