Malaysia finalizes SOP for bauxite mining and export activities with immediate effect

The Malaysian government has finalized the standard operating procedure (SOP) for bauxite mining and export activities in Pahang with immediate effect. Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar said the SOP was finalized after discussions with various stakeholders including miners and green groups.

“We took into account all the points raised by stakeholders when formulating the SOP, which imposed stringent requirements on the entire chain (involving bauxite mining activities) from pre-mining, during and post-mining processes,” he told reporters at a press conference.

The new SOPs include capping monthly exports at 600,000 tonnes of bauxite. The Kuantan Port Authority, which exports the bulk of the ore from the country, had fixed this capacity.

“We have taken into account the points put forth by them (Kuantan Port Authority) and as well as issues raised by the Pahang government. We have come to an understanding and we have solved them (all issues), he said.

“Though the SOP was formulated for the state of Pahang, the ministry is mulling to expand its use throughout the country through more general documents that will maintain important requirements such as mining site size, transportation methods, stockpile storage, exportation and others.”

On March 31, 2019, the Water, Land and Natural Resources Ministry of Malaysia had unveiled the proposed SOP for bauxite mining and export activities in Pahang.