MONUMENT Mining is set to transform Sarawak’s gold mining industry through advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and strategic collaborations.
The company aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact by leveraging state-of-the-art solutions like flotation cells and bioleaching.
Monument also emphasises workforce development, partnering with Centexs to provide specialised training in modern mining techniques, safety, and management.
With government support and investor-friendly policies, Monument envisions Sarawak becoming a key regional hub for sustainable and economically impactful gold mining.
This would unlock the state’s untapped natural resources while fostering local growth and environmental stewardship.
MONUMENT STANDS FOR A TECHNICALLY SOUND MINING OPERATOR
With extensive experience and expertise, along with the necessary technology to elevate gold mining in Sarawak, Cathy emphasised that the modern technology used at Selinsing could be applied to improve mining efficiency and reduce costs.
“Technology plays a crucial role in the success of modern mining, and this is one of our key strengths. We use advanced processing technologies to extract gold from oxide and sulphide materials.
“Oxide material is easier to process as it has naturally oxidised on the surface, whereas sulphide material requires more sophisticated technology due to the sulphur coating on the gold particles, which complicates the separation process.
“We have completed extensive studies since 2023 on sulphide ore treatment and accumulated significant knowledge and experiences”.
“Many examples of modern technologies were applied to our flotation sulphide gold treatment plant.
“The flotation modern tank cells have been employed featuring automatic level control and air control systems; microprocessor-controlled components are built in to enhance automatic processing.
“Bioleaching technology was also used in testing downstream processing of the flotation concentrate.”
She said the company has already provided technical services at its onsite laboratory and its pilot plant to test sulphide materials generated from certain Sarawak areas.
“The adoption of this latest technology will not only increase mining yields but also reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
“Better resource management will also enhance investor and local community confidence in this industry.
“We have already demonstrated our ability to manage commercial operations effectively by using modern technology where applicable, sustainable management strategies, and focusing on efficient and environmentally friendly gold production.”
Cathy said with the shared technology and experience, the company is confident Sarawak can harness its gold resources more efficiently.
COLLABORATION CULTIVATES A HIGHLY SKILLED WORKFORCE
She believes success lies in strong leadership, a capable operations team, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibilities.
“We aim to contribute by sharing our experience, supporting education, and training locals to build a skilled workforce.
“The key to success is always lies with people; the operating company committed to its social and environmental responsibilities to local government and local societies with a strong leadership and a capable operation team.
“We are eager to bring our experiences here assisting in education and training locals to develop a knowledgeable workforce,” Cathy said, explaining that developing a skilled workforce is essential to ensuring the sustainable growth of the gold mining industry.
This collaboration with Centexs could develop specialised training modules in modern mining operations management, catalysing the production of a highly skilled workforce.
“Our company has proven expertise, and we are now launching gold production operations from sulphide sources through the sulphide gold treatment project.
“In the 2024 annual report, Selinsing reported a net profit of USD 6.44 million in its first year of sulphide gold production on 31,542 ounces delivered from the sulphide flotation plant.
“It is primarily attributed to its years of investment into the workforce.
“As a company with years of experience in mining operations, we can play a role in providing training modules and practical knowledge in gold mining.
“This includes training on using the mining technologies where applicable with a hands-on experienced operation team, the operation of heavy equipment, and safety management at mining sites.
“With appropriate training, local workers can be equipped with the skills necessary to handle operations more efficiently and safely,” she added.
She explained that the collaboration could be divided into several key components, including curriculum development modules such as mining technology, waste management, water management, industrial safety, and workforce management.
“One key aspect of this collaboration is providing opportunities for Centexs students to undergo practical training at the Pahang mines or Sarawak, should mining commence.
“This would allow students to gain real-world experience at a mine site and learn how the theories they have studied are applied in real-life situations.
“Regarding the certification programme at Centexs, through this partnership, the training programmes offered by Centexs would be recognised by the gold mining industry as valid and relevant.
“This certification will not only enhance employment prospects for graduates but will also ensure that Sarawak’s mining industry is equipped with a recognised and highly skilled workforce,” she said.
The strategic collaboration between Selinsing and Centexs offers excellent opportunities to create a highly skilled local workforce in gold mining.
“We plan to develop educational programmes in collaboration with Centexs to train local workers in relevant fields.
“This is an important step to ensure the transfer of technological knowledge and mining skills to the local community for the industry’s long-term sustainability,” she stressed.
ADDRESSING CHALLENGES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
Sarawak has excellent potential to become a significant hub for the gold mining industry in Malaysia. The sector has substantial potential to be developed into a modern, efficient, and sustainable industry.
With the involvement of experienced companies like Selinsing, which brings expertise in gold mining technology, Sarawak can capitalise on its untapped natural gold resources.
The industry has the potential to grow rapidly with the support of the state government and the development of local manpower through training programmes provided by Centexs.
Despite the promising outlook, several challenges remain in developing Sarawak’s gold mining sector with Cathy acknowledging the high costs of starting mining operations, the need for suitable infrastructure, and the necessity for investor-friendly government policies.
“Sarawak has not expanded its mining sector for a long time, so much needs to be done, including thorough studies and the development of infrastructure that supports mining, which requires accessible and appropriate land, as well as full support from the government to facilitate this process,” she explained.
She also emphasised the importance of realistic policies aligned with international standards to attract foreign investors.
“External investors will only invest if there are reasonable risks in national policies.
“Therefore, it is crucial to collaborate with the government to ensure more competitive and investor-friendly policies,” she added.
Environmental concerns also pose significant challenges to mining activities.
Cathy the company gives prioroty to using modern technology that maximises gold production while minimising environmental effects, such as controls over emissions, water contamination, tailings management, efficient use of power, and land and biodiversity.
“For example, effective mine waste management would be a key factor in ensuring that any mining activities carried out do not negatively impact the local ecosystem while also maximising gold production with minimal environmental impact, especially considering that Sarawak is rich in biodiversity.
“The adoption of applicable technology will not only increase mining yields but also reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
“Better resource management will also enhance investor and local community confidence in this industry,” she said, adding, “we use technology to ensure no leakage of hazardous or toxic substances into rivers or the air.”
According to Cathy the company also emphasises rehabilitating mined areas to ensure they can be restored to their original or even better condition.
She cited successful rehabilitation efforts in some historical tin mines in Malaysia, where former mining areas were transformed into beautiful lakes or attractive green spaces.
“Malaysia is a country that greens quickly, so we believe mine rehabilitation in Sarawak can also be successfully achieved,” she added.
Cathy emphasised that Monument remains committed to investing in Malaysia, including Sarawak, as the state has yet to fully realise its potential.
2025 WOULD BE INTERESTING YEAR TO COME
Looking forward to 2025, Cathy believes Sarawak can become a thriving gold mining centre with the right technology, good government cooperation, and a well-trained workforce.
“We hope to forge close partnerships with relevant parties to develop this industry, bringing significant benefits to the local economy and communities.”
Sarawak has great potential to become a major hub for the gold mining industry in Malaysia.
The success of Sarawak’s gold mining industry depends on adopting the latest technology, efficient management, and investment in human resource development.
This will ensure that Sarawak remains a key player and an essential hub in the regional gold mining landscape.
