DIGGING FOR MEANING:Groups criticized the premier’s proposal for environmental reviews as vague, saying that only individual assessments could deny mining rights
Taipei Times
Date: Jun 16, 2017
By: Abraham Gerber and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writer and CNA
The appointment of a new Bureau of Mining Affairs director and potential amendments to the Mining Act
Bureau of Mining Affairs Director Chu Ming-chao is pictured on Tuesday in Taipei. Photo: CNA
(礦業法) would not affect mining operations approved before the amendments, Minister of Economic Affairs Li Chih-kung (李世光) said yesterday.
The passing of documentary filmmaker Chi Po-lin (齊柏林), renowned for Beyond Beauty: Taiwan From Above (看見台灣), has drawn attention to environmental issues, particularly the alleged expansion of operations by Asia Cement Corp (亞泥) in Hualien County, as the documentary had captured the effects of the company’s actions on the region’s environment.
Premier Lin Chuan (林全) on Tuesday wrote on Facebook that he had instructed the Ministry of Economic Affairs to review the standards for application approval regarding the approved extension of all mining licenses held by Asia Cement.
Lin instructed the ministry to publish its findings within the week and said that any illegal activities would be prosecuted. [FULL STORY]
