KUALA LUMPUR: The government has imposed a moratorium on the export of raw rare earth elements (REE) to compel stronger efforts to bring in processing technologies or develop local expertise.
Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, who is also acting natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, said the country was still facing challenges in developing separation technologies that could process local resources into higher-value products.
“The government has taken a strategic approach by enforcing a moratorium on the export of raw REE to ensure that the country’s REE resources are not continuously exploited without added value.
“The visit of China‘s president in April had opened up opportunities for cooperation in separation technology, on the condition that government-linked companies (GLCs) are involved.
“Although this matter is still at an early stage, it is seen as an opportunity to reduce dependence on raw exports and enhance Malaysia’s reputation as a regional REE processing hub,” he said in a written reply to the Dewan Negara yesterday.
He added that the Lynas processing plant in Kuantan would be utilised to support the nation’s REE industry.
In response to Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Hatta Md Ramli’s question, he added that the government had prepared standard operating procedures for REE mining, approved by the cabinet and the National Mineral Council.
“The SOP was distributed to all state governments in December 2023. It covers regulatory aspects of activities at pre-mining, mining and post-mining stages, including the requirement for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approval and rehabilitation of mining areas.
“The pilot REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, has shown that the SOP can minimise the negative impacts of mining activities if strictly followed,” he said.
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