Govt identifies REE as strategic mineral source, to pursue responsible mining, says Johari

The Star

7 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has identified rare earth elements (REE) as a strategic mineral resource with significant economic potential, says Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
However, the acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister emphasised that any development must be carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner.
'To realise this potential, the REE industry must be developed across the entire value chain, from upstream to midstream and downstream, consistent with the policy framework outlined in the National Mineral Policy 3 (NMP3).
'However, this must be done responsibly and sustainably,' he said in a parliamentary written reply on Monday (July 28).
He was responding to Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who had asked the ministry to state its stance on REE mining in Malaysia and to explain the studies which encouraged the government to promote such activities, as well as how public concerns over pollution, water safety, technological capacity and public health would be addressed.
Johari said a study under the 11th Malaysia Plan found that inferred REE resources in the country amounted to an estimated 16.1 million metric tonnes.
However, further studies are required to determine the volume of measured resources and, subsequently, extractable reserves.
'A follow-up review by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG) identified an estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside Permanent Forest Reserves (HSK) with potential for REE mining, subject to further evaluation and necessary approvals,' he added.
To ensure that mining activities are conducted safely and sustainably, Johari said JMG, as the lead technical agency, will regulate operations under the Mineral Development Act 1994. This includes pollution control and periodic safety inspections.
'In Perak, for example, regulatory mechanisms have been strengthened through the establishment of the State Technical Regulatory Committee on REE Mining, which involves 10 technical agencies at both federal and state levels,' he said.
Johari added that the ministry has commissioned the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) to carry out an impact assessment of REE mining on forest ecosystems.
This includes preliminary studies of a mining project in Mukim Kenering, Perak, where REE extraction was carried out within a rubber plantation, he added.
On technology, Johari said the project in Mukim Kenering currently uses the in-situ leaching (ISL) method with technological cooperation from China.
Nevertheless, he said the ministry aims to build local expertise in upstream and midstream activities through strategic and progressive technology-sharing initiatives.
'The government is committed to balancing economic potential with public concerns, particularly regarding pollution risks, water safety, public health and local technological capability,' he said.