KUCHING: Sarawak’s mineral reserves have the potential to notably boost the state’s economy, with an estimated contribution of RM1.25 trillion, according to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan.
He said surveys made by the Department of Geology indicated substantial mineral wealth in Sarawak.
He said the mining sector remains largely untapped and underdeveloped in Sarawak, adding that the state is looking to change this through the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“We have bauxite minerals, we have a lot of silica sand and high quality silica sand, we also have a lot of limestone and this limestone can be used not only to make foundation for roads, for cement, but there are many other uses that can be used for marble and rare earth.
“A detailed study should be carried out because there is good potential for that,” he told reporters after attending ‘Ibadah Korban’ (Islamic ritual sacrifice) programme at Wakaf Taman Indah (SWT) Surau, Bandar Baru Semariang today (June 17).
He also mentioned Sarawak’s gold mining history, which dates back to the 1800s and ceased in 1997.
“Currently, a Canadian company is conducting research and has found promising indications of gold in Bau and possibly in the Sri Aman area,” he said.
Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED), led a Sarawak delegation to Canada recently to benchmark best practices of gold mining.
He said the visit is in line with Sarawak’s aspiration to develop the mineral mining industry into a vibrant economy based on the principles of ESG and SDGs under PCDS 2030.
“The mining sector in Canada is a relatively large economic sector which contributes no less than 20 per cent to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and it provides many job opportunities.
“In terms of social and economic impact (to) the community is also very big and they are not only involved at the upstream level, but have been so successful at the downstream level. This is what we want to learn,” he said.
