The opposition came as the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) publicized on July 27 its decision to drop the ban on the limestone exploitation in the said three areas in the southern port city of Kaohsiung, starting Oct. 1, although the Kaohsiung City Government sent a written opposition to the MOEA on April 13 and in mid-August, respectively.

Kaoshiung City Government stressed that due to water conservation and natural ecology protection, further exploitation of the said three limestone deposit areas in the city won't be allowed.

The city government's opposition was seconded by several environmental protection groups. They said that the decision to stop exploitation operations in the three limestone deposit areas was made by the incumbent Premier Wu Den Yi when he served as Kaohsiung mayor in 1997.

Residents near the three limestone deposit areas also voiced strong opposition to the MOEA's plan to liberalize limestone exploration operations, as they don't want the return of the nightmare they suffered over 10 years ago.