TAWAU : Wullesdort Resources Sdn Bhd and Aumas Berhad, which carry out gold mining work, were ordered to immediately cease operations after the water in their reservoir burst here last Monday.
It is understood that the order was issued by the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia during a joint inspection and investigation conducted by various government departments and agencies after a video broadcast by Sabah News Today duration 1:23 went viral on social media.
The video shows the ruptured water retention pond believed to contain sodium cyanide chemical residue.
According to sources who informed Sabah News Today, the ban will remain in effect until the company involved can provide new water storage facilities which is very difficult.
“This is because there is no suitable area for the construction of the dam within the Wullersdorf Resources sub-lease area leased from Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd as the overall concession owner.
“A team of inspectors including representatives from the Fire and Rescue Department, State Environment Department, State Health Department and State Forestry Department conducted an inspection here yesterday,” he told Sabah News Today’ here today.
According to him, this was following an incident where the retaining wall of the pond collapsed and overflowed, causing contaminated water to flow into the Kalumpang River.
The Department of Environment is expected to collect water samples today from the area around the gold mine as well as locations affected by the spill, including the Kalumpang River.
