Govt identifies sites with rare earth mining potential
Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said this is based on a review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG).
"Based on studies under the 11th Malaysia Plan, the JMG identified inferred REE resources amounting to 16.1 million metric tonnes.
"However, further studies are still needed to determine the quantity of measured resources and eventually, mineable reserves.
"A further review by JMG estimated approximately 144,220 hectares of land outside PFR as having potential to be developed into REE mines, subject to further assessment and relevant approvals," he said in a written parliamentary reply.
He added that the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, encompassing upstream, midstream, and downstream levels in line with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 in a responsible and sustainable manner.
He said to ensure REE mining operations are conducted safely, sustainably, and responsibly, JMG, as the main technical agency will regulate mining activities through the enforcement of the Mineral Development Act 1994, including pollution control and operational safety monitoring on a periodic basis.
"Taking Perak as a regulatory model, this oversight is further strengthened by the establishment of the Perak State REE Mining Technical Regulatory Committee, which involves collaboration from 10 technical agencies at both the federal and state levels," he said.
He added that the ministry has also appointed the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to conduct an environmental impact assessment study on REE mining on forest ecosystems.
This includes preliminary studies conducted at the REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction takes place on a rubber plantation.
"In terms of technology, the current REE mining project in Mukim Kenering, Gerik, Perak, is being carried out using in-situ leaching (ISL) methods in collaboration with Chinese technology partners.
"However, it is the ministry's policy to encourage the development of local expertise, particularly in the upstream and midstream sectors, through structured and progressive technology-sharing initiatives.
"The government is committed to ensuring that the development of this industry strikes a balance between economic potential and public concerns including pollution risks, water source safety, public health, and local technological capacity," he said.
Johari said the government would continue efforts through collaboration and partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure the development of Malaysia's REE industry achieves the goals of economic prosperity, societal well-being, and environmental sustainability.
He was responding to Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam) who asked the ministry's position on REE, findings of studies that led to the ministry's decision to encourage REE mining activities, and how the ministry is balancing public concerns regarding pollution risks, technological limitations, water source safety, and public health in the interest of the public.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 minutes ago
- The Sun
Ramssol forges landmark AI, cloud computing collaboration with Tencent, Equinix
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to accelerate its digital transformation by tapping Chinese expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, following a landmark collaboration spearheaded by Ramssol Group Bhd with Tencent Cloud and supported by Equinix. The Malaysia-China Tech & Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference 2025, held in Sheraton Petaling Jaya today, underscored the nation's ambitions to become a regional hub for next-generation technologies while deepening bilateral ties with China. The initiative will introduce Tencent Cloud's advanced AI and cloud solutions to the Malaysian market through Ramssol's subsidiary, Rams Solutions, targeting retail and service industries seeking to automate operations, enhance customer engagement and adopt data-driven strategies for greater competitiveness across Asean markets. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the event, said Malaysia's leadership as Asean Chair in 2025 positioned it uniquely to drive regional innovation and stability. She highlighted Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's role in brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia over a border dispute as an example of Malaysia's diplomatic and technological leadership. 'Technologies such as AI, smart communication, and cloud computing are redefining how economies grow, connect and innovate,' Teo said. 'Malaysia is proud to play a pivotal role in this journey. With our strategic position in Southeast Asia, a growing digital economy, and a future-ready talent pool, we remain committed to driving innovation that benefits all.' She stressed the need for alliances 'anchored on trust, mutual respect and shared ambitions' to build an open, secure and future-focused digital ecosystem that supports investment and long-term growth. Teo also outlined ongoing initiatives under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, including technical standards by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure communications equipment and services meet safety, interoperability and reliability benchmarks. Malaysia's broader digital push includes the Online Safety Act 2025, which mandates platforms to curb harmful content such as scams, cyberbullying and child exploitation, while maintaining innovation and free expression. She cited campaigns like Kempen Internet Selamat reaching over 43,000 participants in 348 schools and cashless adoption drives at Nadi Centres benefiting 1.8 million users as examples of initiatives fostering safer and more inclusive digital participation. Broadband penetration currently stands at 130.8% for mobile and 48.4% for fixed lines. Ramssol Group chairman Datuk Abdul Harith Abdullah said the collaboration reflects the group's long-term strategy to position Malaysia as a bridge for cross-border technology exchange and innovation in Asean. 'These collaborative events are more than just knowledge-sharing platforms; they are strategic gateways to future growth,' he said. 'By aligning Malaysia's digital ambitions with China's tech expertise, we are paving the way for sustained innovation, enhanced bilateral trade and scalable transformation across Asean.' The conference also showcased Tencent Cloud's real-time communication platforms, unmanned retail solutions, automated parking systems and intelligent media processing tools, technologies that have transformed consumer experiences in China and are now being introduced to Malaysian enterprises. Equinix's participation ensures scalable, secure digital infrastructure for cross-border solutions, with analysts noting robust infrastructure as vital for seamless technology integration. Teo described the initiative as a model for international cooperation where the Malaysia–China relationship continues to stand as a model where innovation drives value and collaboration leads to mutual prosperity. 'Let us move forward with confidence and a shared commitment to shaping a better, smarter future for Asia through innovation and cooperation,' she said.
Free Malaysia Today
38 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
US, China resume talks in Stockholm to ease tariff hostilities
Analysts said the US-China negotiations are far more complex than those with other Asian countries and will require more time. (AP pic) STOCKHOLM : US and Chinese officials began a second day of talks in Stockholm today to resolve longstanding economic disputes and step back from an escalating trade war between the world's two biggest economies. The meetings may not yield immediate large breakthroughs, but the two sides could agree to another 90-day extension of a tariff truce struck in mid-May. It may also pave the way for a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later in the year, though Trump today denied going out of his way to seek one. The delegations met for more than five hours yesterday at Rosenbad, the Swedish prime minister's office in central Stockholm. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent was seen arriving at Rosenbad this morning after a separate meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. China's vice premier He Lifeng also arrived at the venue. Neither side made statements after the first day of talks. China is facing an Aug 12 deadline to reach a durable tariff agreement with Trump's administration, after reaching preliminary deals in May and June to end weeks of escalating tit-for-tat tariffs and a cut-off of rare earth minerals. Without an agreement, global supply chains could face renewed turmoil from US duties snapping back to triple-digit levels that would amount to a bilateral trade embargo. The Stockholm talks follow Trump's biggest trade deal yet with the EU on Sunday for a 15% tariff on most EU goods exports to the US, and a deal with Japan. The Financial Times reported yesterday that the US had paused curbs on tech exports to China to avoid disrupting trade talks with Beijing and support Trump's efforts to secure a meeting with Xi this year. Trump pushed back against suggestions he was seeking a meeting with Xi. 'This is not correct, I am not SEEKING anything! I may go to China, but it would only be at the invitation of President Xi, which has been extended. Otherwise, no interest!' he wrote on Truth Social. Complex talks Meanwhile, in Washington, US senators from both major parties plan to introduce bills this week targeting China over its treatment of minority groups, dissidents, and Taiwan, emphasising security and human rights, which could complicate the talks in Stockholm. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te is also set to delay an August trip his team had floated to the Trump administration that would have included stops in the US, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters yesterday. The potential visit would have infuriated Beijing, possibly derailing the trade talks. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, a position Taiwan rejects, and denounces any show of support for Taipei from Washington. Previous US-China trade talks in Geneva and London in May and June focused on bringing US and Chinese retaliatory tariffs down from triple-digit levels and restoring the flow of rare earth minerals halted by China and Nvidia's H20 AI chips, and other goods halted by the US. Among broader economic issues, Washington complains that China's state-led, export-driven model is flooding world markets with cheap goods, while Beijing says US national security export controls on tech goods seek to stunt Chinese growth. Bessent has already flagged a deadline extension and has said he wants China to rebalance its economy away from exports to more domestic consumption – a decades-long goal for US policymakers. Analysts say the US-China negotiations are far more complex than those with other Asian countries and will require more time. China's grip on the global market for rare earth minerals and magnets, used in everything from military hardware to car windshield wiper motors, has proved to be an effective leverage point on US industries.
New Straits Times
43 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Jetour starts local assembly of Dashing, VT9 models, commits RM1.4bil on Malaysian expansion
KUALA LUMPUR: Jetour Auto Malaysia has begun the local assembly of the Chinese brand's sports utility vehicles at the Berjaya Assembly Sdn Bhd (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor Bahru. The models being assembled locally are the Jetour Dashing and VT9, both of which have rapidly gained popularity among Malaysian buyers. The assembly is carried out within B-Assembly's 640,000-square-foot facility, supported by a workforce of over 100 employees. Jetour Malaysia said the move positions Malaysia as a strategic hub for manufacturing and distribution across the Asean region. "The initiative supports Malaysia's automotive aspirations by boosting localisation, generating skilled job opportunities, and strengthening integration within the domestic supply chain," it added. B-Assembly, a wholly-owned unit of Berjaya Assets Bhd, is Jetour's local production partner. The facility is equipped with Industry 4.0-ready systems, underscoring both companies' commitment to high-quality manufacturing, operational efficiency and sustainable mobility solutions. Jetour Malaysia chief executive officer Fu Yong said the collaboration with B-Assembly provides a strong platform for the company's broader expansion into the Asean region. He added that the full-scale launch of local production reinforces Jetour's commitment to delivering high-quality, locally assembled vehicles while emphasising innovation and customer satisfaction. "This important milestone reflects our strong confidence in Malaysia as a strategic market for Jetour. "The local assembly of the Dashing and VT9 is not only a production advancement, but also a significant investment in talent, innovation, and the future potential of mobility in the region," said Jetour International vice president Wen Qiangkang. Jetour said it plans to invest around RM1.4 billion in Malaysia to support the rollout of additional locally assembled models and expand its export footprint to neighbouring Asean markets. Moving forward, the automaker aims to broaden its range of locally tailored vehicles and step up efforts to deepen its presence across the Asean region.
