Natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report for the proposed mining was rejected, Bernama reported.

This is the second time the EIA report for the mining had been rejected.

BG Mining Sdn Bhd had proposed to mine 2,424 hectares, Nik Nazmi said in response to a question from Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian) during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said all such requests will take into account feedback and recommendations from stakeholders.

Nik Nazmi said the government had strengthened the approval process for EIAs, including fostering robust public engagement and enhancing enforcement.

A moratorium was imposed on bauxite mining in Pahang in 2016 following widespread pollution in the state capital.