By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, May 14: Sarawak is estimated to possess high value mineral resources for the energy industry and downstream manufacturing industry worth more than RM1.252 trillion.
Natural Resources and Urban Development II Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the estimated value is based on the records of Sarawak’s Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia.
These mineral resources are deposited across an area of approximately 39,824 square kilometers or 3,982,400 hectares, which involves 32 per cent of the area of Sarawak.
The Sarawak government has thus requested for a larger allocation for Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia, Sarawak from the Federal government so that the study on the existence of mineral resources in Sarawak can be carried out more extensively.
“This geological study and mapping is very important to enable land use planning and the development of mineral-based industries to be made in detail and comprehensively by the government,” said Awang Tengah when delivery his ministerial winding-up speech in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) here today.
He said in the development of mineral-based industries, the Sarawak government is currently trying to develop downstream industries especially those based on silica sand for the manufacturing of photovoltaic glass (PV glass) which is essential for solar power generation (green energy) and limestone for the clinker and cement industry.
“In addition, the government is also studying the potential of an industry based on high-value strategic minerals, namely Non-Radioactive Rare Earth Elements (NR-REE).
“NR-REE is needed in various manufacturing industries such as magnetics, phosphorus, ceramics, metal alloys, defence and so on,” said the Bukit Sari assemblyman (GPS-PBB). — DayakDaily
