Samtse is one of the most mined districts in the country with multiple mines and quarries operational in various gewogs. With the increasing number of private businesses showing a desire to engage in mining and quarrying activities, local leaders in Samtse are skeptical about approving upcoming projects. As of today, Samtse has about 19 operational mines and quarries.
Like most of the time, one of the agendas during the Dzongkhag Tshogdu in Samtse, this year, was about giving approval for mining operations in a few gewogs.
This time three private individuals have proposals to start low quartzite mining works in Samtse and Phuentshogpelri gewogs.
However, many local leaders raised concerns over the environmental and social impacts of mining and quarrying.
“Mining can indeed help in the growth of the economy, but before giving them the approval, we should think of its effect, which can last for years. I as the Gup of Tading Gewog, have never brought mining-related agendas in the DT. Henceforth too, I will never bring any agendas seeking approval of mining from Tading Gewog,” said Yam Bahadur Ghalley, Tading Gup.
“For now, the owners of the mines are paying about Nu 35 per ton as royalty to the government. A truck carrying 10 tons of the load is only giving about Nu 350 as a royalty to the government. Other than this, they do not give anything else to the government. Yes, they do benefit the villagers because they offer job opportunities. But this money that they earn from working at mining sites can be made easily by working in other factories as well,” said Phuntsho, Dopuchen Gup.
“Mining works last for 30 to 40 years. It causes numerous effects on agriculture and our farmers. Mining owners say that they will help the village in getting a reliable water supply and construct roads. But I have never seen anyone doing that. Instead, it is the opposite,” said Shyam Kumar Gurung, Norgaygang Gup.
Besides following corporate social responsibilities, the regional coordinator of the Department of Geology and Mines said that the mine owners also have to maintain and manage Mine Reclamation Fund, which will be used to restore and repair the damaged areas in the respective mining sites.
“For any damages caused to the environment, the mining owners will not get the reclamation fund that they have paid to the finance ministry. We only give them this fund if they have done the reclamation and restoration works properly once they are done with the mining works. If not, the government will use the budget and help in the restoration of the mining site,” said Bishnu Sharma, Regional Coordinator of the Department of Geology and Mines.
However, the house decided to approve the three new mining applicants through a show of hands.
According to the Local Government Act 2009, the Dzongkhag Tshogdu shall issue clearance for the establishment of mines and quarries in accordance with the Mines and Mineral Management Act.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu also requested the Department of Geology and Mines to submit a report on the ongoing mining and quarries in Samtse every after three months.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
