The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has recently conducted inspection tours at various natural resource extraction and processing sites across the country, including sand, clay, and limestone quarries, as well as cement plants and sand-washing facilities. The visits, carried out by the ministry’s Wildlife Development Department, aim to monitor site conditions and verify compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

Dr. Dhafi Haidan, assistant director of the Wildlife Development Department, explained that these inspections are part of ongoing periodic monitoring programs targeting quarries, crushers, cement-mixing plants, and related operations. The objective is to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources while confirming that activities adhere to the environmental requirements outlined in operational permits.

Specialized teams from the department assess the procedures used in the extraction and transportation of natural materials, paying close attention to practices that could impact soil quality, nearby habitats, or other environmental components. The inspections serve multiple purposes, including detecting and addressing violations, regulating site activities, and promoting higher levels of compliance among facility operators.

Dr. Haidan emphasized that the monitoring efforts are intended not only to identify non-compliant practices but also to help maintain operations within established regulations that support development goals while protecting the country’s environment and natural resources. He further urged all owners and operators of extraction and processing facilities to strictly follow environmental standards and relevant transportation regulations.

The ministry’s actions reflect a commitment to safeguarding natural resources, minimizing environmental impacts from extraction activities, and ensuring that industrial practices contribute to the sustainable development of the sector.