Latest news with #NationalMineralPolicy3
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
Govt identifies REE as strategic mineral source, to pursue responsible mining, says Johari
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.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Govt identifies sites with rare earth mining potential
KUALA LUMPUR: An estimated 144,220 hectares of land outside permanent forest reserves (PFR) have the potential to be developed into rare earth element (REE) mines. 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.
