Latest news with #EIAs
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Len Talif: Sarawak laying legal groundwork for full environmental control
Len Talif (fifth left) witnesses the exchange of MoU between Jack (fourth left), representing NREB and Sharon Chong Pau Fang, the chief operating officer of Curtin University Malaysia. MIRI (July 16): Sarawak is laying the groundwork to assume greater autonomy in environmental governance as part of its long-term commitment to sustainable development and climate action, said Datuk Len Talif Salleh. The Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment said that the state is preparing for the eventual enforcement of Article 95C of the Federal Constitution, which would allow Sarawak to independently legislate on environmental matters. 'In anticipation of this, the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly has passed the Natural Resources and Environment Ordinance 2024, laying a strong legal foundation for the state's full assumption of environmental functions. 'The transition will be implemented in phases, beginning with scheduled waste management this year, followed by regulation of industrial effluents, air quality control, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs),' he said when officiating at the Stakeholder Engagement Programme (SEP) 2025 at a hotel here yesterday. As part of the preparations, Len Talif said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) is drafting the necessary subsidiary regulations to ensure that Sarawak is fully ready to implement and enforce these functions once the transfer of powers is formalised. Len Talif, who is also NREB deputy chairman, stressed that environmental protection is not the sole responsibility of government. 'Effective environmental governance relies not only on strong legislation but also on clear procedures, professional integrity, and a collective commitment to responsibility,' he said. He pointed out that all prescribed development activities are required to undergo EIAs, which must be site-specific and grounded in scientific principles, and these assessments are to be conducted by registered environmental consultants. He also reminded developers and project proponents to take environmental obligations seriously. 'Environmental responsibility must begin at the planning stage. Compliance with EIA terms and conditions is not optional, it is a legal and moral obligation. Environmental Monitoring Reports (EMRs) must reflect actual site conditions, and be submitted promptly, with integrity and transparency,' he said, adding that these reports are crucial for tracking compliance, identifying emerging issues, and ensuring that mitigation measures are properly implemented on the ground. Len Talif also emphasised that accurate and timely data is essential for sound environmental decision-making. 'The findings shared today on river water quality highlight the need to strengthen our monitoring systems. At present, NREB still relies heavily on manual sampling, with only one telemetric station currently in operation,' he said. He voiced full support for NREB's efforts to expand the telemetric water quality monitoring network across Sarawak. 'Real-time data is not a luxury, it is a necessity for early detection, timely intervention, and science-based environmental management. I trust this initiative will continue to receive the support and resources needed to better protect our rivers,' he said. He added that protecting rivers must be a collective responsibility, especially from those involved in land development and urban commercial activities. Touching on waste management, Len Talif revealed that a master plan on Integrated Waste Management is currently being developed to enhance the state's waste governance and align with Sarawak's climate agenda. He said that the master plan will provide a strategic framework for managing municipal solid waste, scheduled waste, as well as construction and demolition waste. 'The study, with Bintulu identified as the pilot location, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The master plan will outline strategic directions and key actions to support Sarawak's aspiration of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while also promoting environmental protection, resource efficiency and the adoption of circular economy practices,' he said. Meanwhile, controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak Datu Jack Liam in his welcoming speech stated that to further enhance the EIA process, NREB is currently reviewing guidelines and procedures, including forming an internal EIA Technical Evaluation Committee and developing screening guidance to support compliance with the First Schedule of the Prescribed Activities Order, 1994. 'NREB will also be improving the EIA Consultant Star Rating to raise professionalism and report quality as well as building an online EIA submission system to improve efficiency and transparency, in line with the Sarawak Public Service target of 100 per cent online services by year 2030,' he said. On the SEP, Jack noted that it is designed to enhance understanding of new environmental legislation and its requirements, to update stakeholders on NREB's initiatives to strengthen enforcement and monitoring as well as to foster partnerships and promote environmental stewardship. At the same function, Len Talif witnessed the exhange of memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Curtin University Malaysia. The MoU is for cooperation in environmental research and sustainability, while the MoA is for the ecological studies of the Miri River, aimed at identifying conservation areas for the benefit of local communities. autonomy environment lead Len Talif Salleh
New Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
MPs call for light pollution to be included in EIA guidelines
KUALA LUMPUR: Government and opposition lawmakers are calling for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to explicitly include light pollution, warning that unchecked artificial lighting is posing a growing threat to Malaysia's ecosystems, wildlife, and public health. Several backbencher members of parliament (MPs), when contacted by the New Straits Times, have also shown support for the idea that the issue of light pollution can be raised in the upcoming parliamentary session. Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the government is currently amending the Environmental Quality Act (EQA), providing a timely opportunity to address the issue. "The government has already started work to amend EQA to the highest standards. We can use this opportunity to address issues such as light pollution. "Elements such as light pollution and buffer zones for urban areas should be revisited in the EIA," says the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister. Petaling Jaya MP Lee Chean Chung supported the move, urging that EIAs expand their scope to cover light pollution, particularly for developments near ecologically sensitive areas such as Bukit Kiara and coastal turtle nesting sites. "Light pollution doesn't just affect biodiversity, but also erodes our connection with the night sky. "It's time policymakers take this seriously by enforcing 'dark sky' zones and limiting excessive or misdirected lighting." He added that even bright LED advertisement boards pose a danger to road users and the environment. Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Ahmad Amzad Hashim described light pollution as a hidden yet serious form of environmental degradation. "Because it doesn't produce smoke, smell or noise, many people underestimate its impact. "But it severely affects biodiversity, human health, and scientific research," he said. He cited cases in Terengganu where artificial lights from roads, resorts and billboards confuse baby turtles, causing up to 90 per cent of them to head inland instead of toward the sea, resulting in death from predators, heat, or vehicles. Ahmad Amzad praised the Malaysian Space Agency's work on a national framework to protect astronomy and astrotourism activities, which could also protect biodiversity. He suggested that areas like Setiu Wetlands and Tasik Kenyir be gazetted as "dark sky zones" and proposed that local governments introduce bylaws governing light direction, type, spectrum and operating hours. Terengganu Tourism, Culture and Environment executive councillor Datuk Razali Idris echoed these concerns, particularly with regard to the endangered river terrapin. He said bright artificial lighting deters nesting and confuses hatchlings, increasing mortality rates. "Young terrapins rely on natural light cues to reach rivers. But artificial lighting often misguides them toward villages or roads, putting them at serious risk," he said. Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said she has been advocating for the establishment of a protective buffer zone around Bukit Kiara Federal Park to prevent encroaching developments and address lighting and other environmental threats. When asked whether light pollution should be included in EIAs, Yeoh replied, "Why not?" In response to NST's queries, the Environment Department said light pollution can be considered in EIAs, particularly for projects in ecologically sensitive areas, under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 2015. "Light pollution may be significant even if not directly. Excessive lighting has the potential to contribute to heat emissions, which in turn can lead to increased temperatures and disrupt the surrounding ecosystem. "Studies should be conducted by project proponents and EIA consultants to identify the impacts and propose appropriate mitigation measures." However, the department confirmed that there is no existing guideline specific to light pollution and that it is not within the jurisdiction of the Environmental Quality Act 1974. "Even so, for assessments in the EIA report, consultants may refer to relevant agencies or any guidelines implemented by other countries to identify mitigation measures that can minimise environmental impacts." NST's checks on the Environment Department's EIA Guidelines found that baseline studies focus on air quality, water quality, noise, vibration, and visual aesthetics, with no direct mention of light pollution. To compare with other countries, Chile's Environmental Assessment Service introduced new environmental assessment criteria in 2024 to regulate artificial lighting near astronomical zones. The guidelines determine when a project's light emissions are deemed significant and likely to affect areas of scientific or research value used for astronomical observation. France adopted a national light pollution policy in 2019, aimed at preserving nighttime darkness by controlling outdoor light emissions. Slovenia enforces a Decree on Light Pollution that mandates compliance for all lighting system projects. The regulation is designed to protect the environment, public health, astronomy, and reduce energy waste.
Irish Independent
27-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
‘Hardship' for West Cork communities over protected nature sites
Much of the West Cork coastline has been designated as a Natura 2000 site, either as a Special Protection Area (SPA) or a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Those designations are now causing hardship for local people and in some cases preventing much-needed development and infrastructure projects, West Cork Councillors say. At this week's meeting of Cork County Council, Councillors Finbarr Harrington and John Michael Foley called on the Council to write to the government to seek permission from the European Union to carry out an urgent review of Cork's designated Natura 2000 sites. 'In my own West Cork, working harbours, piers and slips were taken into SACs and these are causing unbelievable amounts of difficulties for ourselves as a local authority to do repairs to these piers because we must carry out all kinds of EIAs [Environmental Impact Assessment] before we get to do it,' Cllr Harrington said. 'In relation to rural planning, where you have young couples that are just applying for planning permission for a normal family home to live in it, our planners are obliged to notify them that they're building in an SAC or an SPA or an NHA [Natural Heritage Area] and they must go off and do EIAs, which is costing them thousands and thousands of euros,' he added. Cllr Harrington cited the Garnish slipway at the tip of the Beara Peninsula, which is used by recreational sailors, fishermen and the Coast Guard. Sand builds up at the tip of the slipway over the winter but because it's in the Kenmare SAC, ministerial permission has to be sought to remove the sand. Many of the designations were mapped decades ago and have not kept pace with updated ecological knowledge or with the practical realities faced by rural communities, according to Cllr Foley. 'Right now in County Cork, homeowners struggle to get planning permission for modest homes. Farmers are restricted in their ability to work their land. Local councils find critical infrastructure projects delayed or blocked entirely in many coastal areas. Renewable energy and rural development projects, crucial for meeting Ireland and Europe's climate goals, are held back,' he said. 'We're not asking to dismantle conservation efforts, but we need to be able to complete coastal erosion problems where farms are falling into the sea, roads are falling into the sea. We need to be able to work on things, we need to be able to work on essential works like working harbours. We're not asking for a dismantling of the SECs, they're great, but we are asking for a common-sense approach where we can work,' said Cllr Foley. The Council agreed to write to the government to ask for a review of the Natura 2000 mapping.
Business Recorder
10-06-2025
- General
- Business Recorder
Urban centres: SCF concerned about environmental issues
HYDERABAD: The Sindh Community Foundation (SCF) has raised serious concerns over the escalating environmental crisis in Sindh's urban centres, saying big cities like Karachi and Hyderabad are facing an impending ecological breakdown that demands immediate action. Single-use plastics are clogging our drains, polluting waterways, and posing serious health risks, said Javed Hussain, Executive Director of SCF. By tackling plastic pollution, strengthening environmental laws, and engaging communities, we can restore urban ecosystems and safeguard public health for future generations. He said in Karachi, the megacity's tree cover has fallen to below 3%, one of the lowest among global megacities, exacerbating the urban heat-island effect. This has led to soaring temperatures, making the already critical environmental situation in the city even worse. The lack of public waste bins, combined with clogged drainage systems, significantly increases the risk of urban flooding and the spread of waterborne diseases. There is absence of municipal bylaws on waste segregation, water protection, and sustainable construction practices, which only deepens the environmental crisis. Furthermore, environmental education is largely absent from school curricula, preventing the younger generation from developing a sense of ecological responsibility. SCF has proposed a comprehensive four-point strategy to address the crisis: enforce zoning laws and require Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for all new urban developments to minimise environmental harm; mandate the inclusion of green roofs on public buildings to reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and support biodiversity; implement strict regulations to control plastic use, improve waste disposal systems, and monitor air and water quality through transparent mechanisms with penalties for violations; and launch community-driven 'Clean and Green' initiatives, such as neighbourhood clean-ups, rooftop gardening, and door-to-door recycling, to foster environmental responsibility and public engagement. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mawson Finland Limited Announces Significant Progress in Permitting Process for the Rajapalot Gold-Cobalt Project, Finland
VANCOUVER, BC / / May 13, 2025 / Mawson Finland Limited ("Mawson" or the "Company") (TSXV:MFL) is pleased to announce an important milestone in the permitting process that relates to the development of its 100%-owned Rajapalot gold-cobalt project in the Lapland region of Finland. The Company has initiated the "second phase" of the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) procedure and chosen the consultant Ramboll Finland Oy ("Ramboll") responsible for the preparation work. This is a critical step for the development of the project and will foster further collaboration with both the authorities and stakeholders in the region. Ms. Noora Ahola, Mawson Finland CEO, states: "We are very happy to announce that we have advanced in our Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, and have now selected a suitable consultant after a rigorous selection process. Ramboll is a highly respected and very experienced international consultancy office with a wide global network of experts, including experience in developing EIAs and related studies with Finnish mining operators. We are all very pleased to start working together and further develop the Rajapalot asset on its path to production. We would like to thank our shareholders, local stakeholders and communities for all the support and encouragement to continue developing and de-risking the Rajapalot project." Highlights: Significant milestone of the mine development journey by initiating the "second and final phase" of the EIA procedure De-risking the project and future mine permitting Further strengthening the stakeholder engagement and communication within the local communities Responsible consultant selected for preparing the EIA Report ("second phase of the EIA procedure); Ramboll Part of international Ramboll Group A/S Widely experienced global network of experts Dedicated team of Finnish experts Recent clients from the Nordic mining industry includes for example Agnico Eagle (Kittilä Gold Mine), Finnish Minerals Group (Terrafame Mine), Yara Suomi (Siilinjärvi Mine), Boliden (Kylylahti Mine) and Anglo American (Sakatti Mine project) Strong local support for the progress and development of the project EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment Procedure In Finland and the European Union, regulatory environmental planning processes form the foundation for a structured permitting path required for sustainable mine development. The EIA procedure lays the groundwork for moving the Rajapalot project through all future mine permitting requirements (i.e., industrial zoning, extraction and operational permits etc). Throughout this procedure the Rajapalot project and future mine permitting can be further de-risked while the company continues the on-going resource expansion work. This EIA procedure ensures not only the project's environmental responsibility but also facilitates meaningful stakeholder engagement in the development process. The EIA procedure includes two major phases: the Program phase (ie., "first phase") and the Report phase (ie., "second phase"). The "first phase", or the EIA Program, was finalized in late 2024 (see MFL news release dated December 10, 2024). This "second phase" or the EIA Report, will document and address any significant environmental impacts from mine development and continued operations. As such, Mawson has now achieved a significant milestone in this development journey by initiating the final "second phase" of the EIA procedure. It is important to note that while this EIA procedure is not a permit, it provides the vital and underlying foundations on which any further mine permitting processes will require. It provides both the environmental baselines of the area, and any possible effects of the project which will be continuously referred to by the governing authorities during subsequent mine permitting. The EIA Report can be finalized after the Pre-Feasibility has been completed. This same EIA procedure has been or is being presently undertaken by all the other mineral development projects in Finland, including the Ikkari project of Rupert Resources, Suhanko ("Arctic Platinum") project of CD Capital Natural Resources Fund III L.P., the Sokli project of The Finnish Minerals Group, and the Sakatti project of Anglo American. Ramboll Ramboll is a global engineering, architecture, and consultancy company with over 18,000 experts worldwide and 2,500 in Finland. In the mining sector, Ramboll combines international expertise with local insight to deliver responsible, technically sound solutions across the full mine life cycle. Core services include ESIAs, permitting, closure planning, and stakeholder engagement, all aligned with IFC, EBRD, and Equator Principles to ensure compliance and financing readiness. Ramboll's recent assignments include for example acting as GISTM Designer of Record for Boliden Kylylahti mine and leading the EIA for Yara Suomi's Siilinjärvi mine expansion. Ramboll has also delivered zoning and impact assessments for Anglo American Sakatti Mining, an IFC-compliant ESIA for Sydvaranger AS in Norway, and environmental permitting and risk assessments for Terrafame mine. Ramboll have provided land-use and permitting services also for Agnico Eagle's Kittilä gold Mine. About Mawson Finland Limited Mawson Finland Limited is an exploration stage mining development company engaged in the acquisition and exploration of precious and base metal properties in Finland. The Company is primarily focused on gold and cobalt. The Corporation currently holds a 100% interest in the Rajapalot Gold-Cobalt Project located in Finland. The Rajapalot Project represents approximately 5% of the 100-square kilometre Rompas-Rajapalot Property, which is wholly owned by Mawson and consists of 12 granted exploration permits and one extension permit application for a total of 11,262 hectares. In Finland, all operations are carried out through the Company's fully owned subsidiary, Mawson Oy. Mawson maintains an active local presence of Finnish staff with close ties to the communities of Rajapalot. Additional disclosure including the Company's financial statements, technical reports, news releases and other information can be obtained at or on SEDAR+ at Media and Investor Relations Inquiries Please contact: Neil MacRae Executive Chairman at neil@ or +1 (778) 999-4653, or Noora Ahola Chief Executive Officer at nahola@ or +358 (505) 213-515. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No securities regulatory authority has reviewed or approved of the contents of this news release. Forward-looking Information This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking information") which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, estimates and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "aims", "may", "could", "would", "will", "must" or "plan". Since forward-looking information is based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, and management of the Company believes them to be reasonable based upon, among other information, the contents of the PEA and the exploration information disclosed in this news release, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, any expected receipt of additional assay results or other exploration results and the impact upon the Company thereof, any expected milestone independent data verification, the continuance of the Company's quality assurance and quality control program, potential mineralization whether peripheral to the existing Rajapalot resource or elsewhere, any anticipated disclosure of assay or other exploration results and the timing thereof, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, including drilling, soil sampling, geophysical and geochemical work, any expected search for additional exploration targets and any results of such searches, potential acquisition by the Company of any property, the growth potential of the Rajapalot resource, all values, estimates and expectations drawn from or based upon the PEA, and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: any change in industry or wider economic conditions which could cause the Company to adjust or cancel entirely its exploration plans, failure to identify mineral resources or any additional exploration targets, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, any failure to receive the results of completed assays or other exploration work, poor exploration results, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary and uncertain nature of the PEA, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. SOURCE: Mawson Finland Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
