Aumas secures vital pond access in Bukit Mantri dispute as court sets aside earlier injunction

Aumas Resources Bhd has secured a crucial interim court ruling in the ongoing legal dispute with Southsea Gold Sdn Bhd and Datuk Lo Fui Ming in Sabah. This decision ensures its subsidiary, Wullersdorf Resources Sdn Bhd, can continue using a vital water treatment pond at its Bukit Mantri tailings storage facility. The High Court's ruling on November 3 addressed two key applications in the complex case, prioritizing operational stability and environmental protection.

The court acknowledged the urgent need to maintain the water containment system and declared significant legal matters to be resolved regarding WRSB's right to access and utilize the pond and surrounding land. As a result of this order, Lo and SGSB are barred from demolishing, obstructing, or filling in the pond, and they cannot prevent WRSB personnel from accessing the area for inspections, pumping, treatment, or neutralization.

However, WRSB cannot enlarge the pond, construct new pipes, or perform work not approved by regulations. Additionally, WRSB must provide 24 hours' written notice before conducting physical repairs, except in immediate safety emergencies. The court also overturned a previous ex-parte injunction obtained by Aumas on August 14, despite it already expiring on September 4, as it was not justified by the court's standards.

Aumas and WRSB will pay the defendants' costs, and any inquiry into damages caused by the injunction will need a separate application with proper evidence. While these interim decisions do not determine ownership of the disputed land or settle other claims, regulatory authorities will continue their lawful inspections. The next trial dates for the consolidated suits are set between February 23 and 26, 2027.