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On 11 December 2025, ASM formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Government of Sarawak, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR), to develop the Policy and Guidelines for the Development of the Sarawak Mineral Industry.
This landmark study positions ASM as a key strategic partner in shaping a robust, sustainable, and future-ready mineral sector for the state. The study is led by P.Geol Teoh Lay Hock FASc, with Academician P.Geol Datuk Fateh Chand FASc, serving as Advisor. A multidisciplinary team of experts and analysts supports the study.
Appointed as ASM’s strategic partner in January 2025, MUDeNR mandated the study to support the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Sarawak Mining and Quarrying Economic Development Masterplan (SMQEDM) 2035.
The study is undertaken in two phases: Phase 1 on policy development and Phase 2 on guideline formulation. The Phase 1 Final Report was successfully presented and endorsed at the Steering Committee Meeting on 19 December 2025, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of MUDeNR.
To ensure a forward-looking, resilient framework, the study applied horizon scanning and benchmarking to assess domestic and global trends in the mineral industry.
The proposed policy was further validated through expert reviews by ASM’s Science, Technology, Innovation Policy Advisory Committee (STIPAC) and the Study’s Technical Committee.
Six strategic thrusts were identified through ASM’s STIE ecosystem, encompassing sustainability, governance, technology adoption, value creation, community empowerment, and capacity building.
Collectively, these measures aim to position Sarawak as a leader in responsible mineral resource development, ensuring long-term economic benefits while safeguarding environmental integrity and community wellbeing.