Sarawak Targets Collaboration with Canada for Sustainable Mining Practices
KUCHING (June 10): Sarawak aims to establish collaborations to adopt best practices in sustainable mining, particularly focusing on policy and regulations for rehabilitating abandoned quarry and mining sites in the state. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan emphasized the importance of learning from leading mining nations, such as Canada, during a study visit to British Columbia.
Importance of Collaboration with Canada
Awang Tengah, who also serves as the Second Minister of Natural Resources and Urban Planning, highlighted Canada’s reputation as a leading mining nation with a robust value chain and related industries. During discussions with officials from the Canadian Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation in Victoria, the delegation explored avenues for collaboration.
Key Insights from British Columbia
British Columbia’s mining sector serves as a significant economic driver, contributing approximately 30% to local economic growth and employing over 35,000 individuals. With a focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, the province has emerged as a global leader in climate action within the mining industry.
Embracing ESG Principles
Awang Tengah emphasized the importance of adopting ESG principles and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the mining sector. He noted the necessity for industry players to obtain social licenses, reconcile the rights of indigenous people, and prioritize environmental stewardship throughout mining operations and site closures.
Impressed by Collaborative Approaches
The Sarawak delegation expressed admiration for Canada’s collaborative and partnership-based approaches in addressing the rights of First Nation People, a cornerstone of ESG principles. Among the delegation members accompanying Awang Tengah are Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Law, MA63, and State-Federal Relations) Datuk Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.