KUCHING: The Sarawak government plans to introduce a new mining policy by 2026 that focuses on environmental conservation and the use of modern technology in the mineral mining industry.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the new policy will ensure that the earth's treasures are mined prudently without damaging the geological structure of the area involved.

According to him, this is based on mining methods in Canada which allow the excavated areas to look untouched as a result of the use of technology that does not affect the basic structure of the earth.

"For example, like in the past, we opened opencast mining where we dug but then left it alone, that's why there are mining areas that become lakes like what happened to Tasik Biru Bau.

"But with new technology, the mining areas will not become lakes where they remain the same as before and the excavated areas will be filled back in with new methods.

"That is why we will formulate a new and different policy in the mining industry which we should see as a guide in trying our hand in the mining industry.

"We have a target, if possible by 2026 where we have a detailed policy in mining and become the basis for guiding us in managing mining activities," he said.

He said this when speaking at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDENR) Appreciation Ceremony at a prominent hotel here on Friday.

He also expressed his appreciation to Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, for leading a delegation to Canada to review the sustainable mining model in the country.

The Sarawak Premier also explained that this new policy only involves mineral mining and does not include the oil and gas sector.

Also present were the wife of the Sarawak Premier Puan Sri Datuk Amar Hajjah Juma'ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, MUDENR Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh and MUDENR Permanent Secretary Datu Abdullah Julaihi. -UKASnews