• Applications for hand-gold mining liscneses open for Kelantan residents
• Priority for those in need to boost their income legally

The Kelantan state government announced the opening of applications to obtain hand-gold mining licenses starting from January 1, allowing residents to mine as an additional source of income.

This came after the government announced in the Kelantan Legislative Council session on November 10 that gold mining would be permitted on state lands under specific conditions.

According to a local agency, the initiative aims to strengthen the local economy while ensuring that mining activities, which were previously illegal, are conducted safely, responsibly, and in an environmentally appropriate manner.

Hand-gold mining is a traditional and simple method using a pan to separate gold particles from sand and gravel in water, as gold settles at the bottom due to its higher density compared to lighter materials. This method is popular as a hobby and for small-scale mining.

The state government plans to designate specific areas to ensure mining activities do not impact local communities, and that mining will be manual only, without the use of heavy machinery.

Nick Risnan Dawud, Director of Lands and Mines in Kelantan, explained that the number of applications so far is encouraging, adding that priority will be given to the less privileged residents to help them increase their income legally.

Applicants are awaiting further announcements regarding permitted mining sites, allowable equipment, and monitoring and inspection procedures.

The license currently requires an application fee of 100 ringgit (approximately 22 USD), plus 100 ringgit annually to renew the license (approximately 22 USD), which cannot be transferred and is limited to Kelantan residents only.

Kelantan’s Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Mohamad Fazli Hassan, stated that all extracted gold must be sold to government-recognized buyers.

Last year’s license announcement led to a surge of tourists flocking to the rivers with equipment, causing frustration among local residents.

The state government confirmed that it is considering issuing permits for recreational and tourist mining, although legal mining is currently allowed only for Kelantan residents.