Stone crushing companies have to help protect the environment

Fujairah: All stone quarries and crushing companies must implement all aspects of the new environmental law within a year or face severe penalties, the Minister of Environment and Water said.

Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd was speaking after an open seminar held in Al Aqah, Fujairah, where ways of implementing Cabinet Resolution Number 10/10 of 2008, concerning the regulation of crushing and quarry activities, were discussed.

The new resolution sets strict guidelines for the industry in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah and other emirates.

The minister said although the crushing industry performs an important economic role, it should not be at the expense of the environment and health.

He said companies who fail to comply with the law may be faced with closure.

The new resolution obligates companies to follow strict environmental protection measures.

The seminar was attended by officials from the federal and local governments as well as a high number of executives of stone crushing companies.

Presentations also highlighted a number of health hazards of the industry.