PETALING JAYA: The newly-formed Mineral Industry Development Coordination Committee (JKPPIM) will look into various aspects of management, policy making and development of the industry within the country, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
He said that the committee will involve top representatives from various states and field experts and will also look at the need to implement the national framework for development of the mineral industry, such as for extraction of Rare Earth Elements (REE).
"Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said that state governments may carry out initial REE exploration based on the NR-REE SOP and existing policies,” said the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister.
Nik Nazmi said that several papers have been presented for consideration, including the National Mineral Policy Framework 3.
He added that some of the other papers presented include the Implementation Audit Report of Non-Radioactive Rare Earth Element (NR-REE) Mining Pilot Project in Mukim Kenering, Hulu Perak District in Perak.
Nik Nazmi then said that the papers presented include other matters from the 80th National Mineral Council and Land Council Meeting held on Sept 12.
"It was decided that the National Mineral Policy (DMN3) will drive comprehensive development of the mineral industry. The Government will develop a policy to ban the export of rare earth raw materials to avoid a loss of resources," said Nik Nazmi.
He added in a statement after chairing the meeting on Monday (2 Oct) that the DMN3 focuses on empowering legislation efforts and the industrial environment.
Nik Nazmi said that it will do this by strengthening the entire value chain and increasing application of technology, empower local human capital and strengthen social and governance (ESG) principles in the mineral industry.
He added that the NRECC was also looking into the potential to develop intermediate industries downstream for the country's mineral industry.
"This is to ensure its economic potential is fully realized and not just dependent on exporting raw minerals. Quality investment commitment from state governments will be able to ensure that the industry created has a positive impact on the national economy," he said.
He said with the newly formed committee, it is hoped that mining and quarrying activities in Malaysia could be implemented in a responsible and sustainable manner while preserving environmental sustainability and people's well-being.
The JKPPIM meeting served as a forum to look at and detail mineral industry issues within the country as well as helping speed up the related decision-making process of the mineral industry, in addition to encouraging cooperation and coordination between the Federal Government and State Government in the management of mineral issues.
Among those present were Chief Ministers of Perak, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah and Perlis, as well as deputy Chief Ministers of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as experts in the field of mining, environment conservation and manufacturing.
