Bauxite is a rock that mainly composed of various minerals. Most important bauxite is the primary ore for aluminum (Al). Aluminum is a very crucial element as the uses of aluminum is varied and diverse. Aluminum is used in transportation, household, packaging, power lines and construction.
In Malaysia, the active bauxite mining is located in Gebeng, Pahang. The mine while strengthening the economy and as well as serving as a lucrative source of income for many people, is also causing intense suffering to the local people.
Bauxite mining indeed has causes the pollution around Bukit Goh, Gebeng and Kuantan Port. For months, certain areas in the district, particularly Bukit Goh, have suffered serious air pollution from bauxite dust and residue released by the processing plants or leaked during transportation to Kuantan Port. Bauxite dust and residue also has polluted and damaged the road.
The river has been polluted with the bauxite residue and recently the bauxite residue has been flowing to the sea due to heavy rain showers them to the sea. The citizens were panicked to see the colour of the sea turning red. Few fatal accidents also happened caused by lorries transporting bauxite. Lorries for transporting bauxite also has caused traffic congestion as the drivers parked their lorries on the road.
The indiscriminate and poorly regulated mining of bauxite could be as severe as the ecosystem may never recover. The irresponsible bauxite mining practices also causes adverse health effect to the people who live near the mining site.
Natural bauxite ore consists of aluminum hydroxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide and reactive silica. These substances affect human health. Aluminum hydroxide is the main content of the bauxite ore which is 32-52%. Excessive exposure of aluminum hydroxide could be detrimental to health.
Significant effects of exposure to bauxite dust are, pain and reddening of the nose, coughing, pain and redness of the skin, peeling and itching eyes. Studies have shown that these materials could lead to neurological problems such as chronic brain, anxiety for no reason, forgetfulness or Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease in adults.
The content of iron oxide in bauxite is 15-34%, less compared to aluminum hydroxide. Iron oxide is the substance that causes the roads, river and sea to become reddish. Long term exposure of iron oxide to the respiratory system could lead to the accumulation of iron in the liver tissue and affect the functioning of the liver system. The situation is worsened for people with thalassemia and hemophilia or those suffering from swelling of the liver and spleen.
Titanium oxide is the third content in bauxite. Exposure of this substance may give an adverse effect to those who suffer from eczema skin, heart problems and liver problems. The content of reactive silica in bauxite is 1-8%. Exposure to high concentrations can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, fainting or even death. Longer periods of exposure cause the inflammation of the lungs. Then it will become worse and cause problems such as chronic bronchitis or acute respiratory infections silicosis.
Bauxite mining has become a good source of income for many people especially for those needy low-income earners. However, a responsible action plan should be taken by the regulators. The regulators should also strictly enforce safety and health regulations to ensure consumers well-being.
Bauxite mining may be a good fortune for every people if and only if the mining operators and the transport contractors responsibly manage the mining and transportation operations according to the rules and regulations that have been set. The public has the right to obtain a healthy and safe environment.
Nur Imani Abdullah
Federation of Malaysian Consumer Association
