Kota Kinabalu: WWF-Malaysia is calling for the implementation of stringent regulations and enforcement measures to oversee mining activities in order to safeguard the State’s biodiversity. It aligns with the government’s commitment to develop responsible mining guidelines for the industry, announced during WWF-Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2022.

The organization warns of the harmful consequences of mining that could undermine the State Government’s efforts to preserve Sabah’s biodiversity. Dr. Robecca Jumin, Associate Director for WWF-Malaysia, emphasized the need to prioritize environmental safety from the outset, especially during the prospecting stages, to avoid impacting environmentally sensitive areas.

The detrimental effects of mining on the environment are well-documented. The extensive movement of soil and rocks involved in mining activities irreversibly damages the land and disrupts the habitats of various wildlife species. For instance, coal mining expansion in East Kalimantan has been identified as a primary driver of mining-related deforestation in the region. Practices such as open pit mining and cyanide heap leaching not only alter landscapes but also generate substantial amounts of hazardous waste, posing a risk to water resources through contamination.

Furthermore, mining operations can inflict severe harm on marine ecosystems. Silica mining, for instance, can lead to coastal degradation, causing adverse effects such as land deterioration, loss of biodiversity, and pollution of coastal waters. The increased turbidity resulting from mining activities can also negatively impact sunlight-dependent organisms like corals and seagrasses.

The infamous environmental issues stemming from mining, such as water pollution in the vicinity of Mamut, serve as poignant reminders of the potential repercussions. The pollution of rivers around Mamut rendered the water unfit for human consumption, endangering the health of the river ecosystem and the communities dependent on it. This is particularly critical in light of the widespread water shortage issues across Sabah.

In addition to advocating for improved mining regulations, WWF-Malaysia stresses the need to enhance the transparency of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. The organization highlights the significance of a transparent EIA process in enabling comprehensive assessments, engaging stakeholders, and implementing adequate mitigation measures based on credible data. The lack of transparency surrounding the EIA process for high-risk projects, as evidenced in the mining project in Bukit Mantri and Bukit Tundong, Tawau, could result in irreversible and devastating impacts on Sabah’s biodiversity.