SERI MANJUNG: Vale International, the world’s second largest diversified mining company and largest manufacturer of iron-ore and pellet, is aware of the need to preserve the environment and has taken stringent steps to comply with environmental assessment impact procedures in the setting up of its distribution centre in Teluk Rubiah, said Perak Menteri Besar Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
He assured the people that the development would not have any detrimental environmental impact.
“They (Vale) are fully aware of the state’s requirement. I told them many times that I will not tolerate (any negative impact to the environment).
“That is our policy and they are very clear about it,” he told a press conference on Saturday after a ground-breaking ceremony for the iron ore distribution centre near here today.
Vale Malaysia Manufacturing Sdn Bhd (Vale Malaysia) is aware of the need to help preserve the environment via leveraging on green and clean technology, he added.
Vale is initially investing RM4.07 billion to develop the first phase of the iron-ore complex with a capacity to dock vessels and handle as much as 30 million tonnes of ore, annually, beginning the first half of 2014.
Zambry said adherence to the EIA procedures was a pre-requisite set by the state government for Vale International to comply with in order for them to operate in Teluk Rubiah, a popular tourist attraction.
Earlier, during his speech, he said Vale must ensure its operations benefit the locals in terms of employment opportunities, skilled training and downstream activities.
No environment impact
Vale Malaysia Portfolio Director Marcelo Figuiredo said the distribution centre would not have any environmental impact as its operations would not involve dust emission into the air.
He said the company would be adopting a state-of-the-art green and clean technology to ensure Teluk Rubiah remained green and well protected.
“Nevertheless, we are taking all action to mitigate any possible impact to the environment,” he added.
He said under the first phase of development, a jetty and operation centre would be constructed.
“There will not be any factory at this stage and the vessels that we will deploy to transport the product will have 30 per cent less emission compared with other vessels of the same category,” he added.
The Vale distribution centre in Teluk Rubiah will have a maximum throughput capacity of 60 million tonnes per year and the iron ore manufactured here will be distributed to clients in Japan, Australia and Japan.
Vale’s iron ore and pellets are used as raw materials in the steel industry.
- Bernama
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