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The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Activists urge oversight for REE mining
PETALING JAYA: Independent and robust oversight is crucial for monitoring and auditing waste management practices in both the current and future rare earth element (REE) mining sectors, say environmental activists. Greenpeace Malaysia campaigner Heng Kiah Chun. Greenpeace Malaysia campaign lead, Heng Kiah Chun, said the move is necessary to protect nearby communities. While it welcomed the government's recognition that REE mining cannot proceed without safeguards, the group remains deeply concerned that exploration and mining activities are already taking place without adequate oversight. 'Rare earth mining and processing generate toxic waste, so the government must act transparently. It must commission an independent audit to protect communities living in the area,' Heng said when contacted. He was asked to comment on the announcement by acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani that waste management related to REE mining must be ironed out before Malaysia ventures deep into the industry. Heng added that Greenpeace, together with civil societies and its allies, had submitted a memorandum calling for bold commitments in the 13th Malaysia Plan. 'The memorandum outlines five urgent reforms to close policy gaps in forest governance and uphold indigenous rights. 'Without these reforms, Malaysia risks losing access to long-term international climate funding under the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which will be launched at the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference this year. 'Malaysia should not gamble with people's health, indigenous rights, or the environment in pursuit of short-term economic gains. PEKA President Rajesh Nagarajan. 'Any move towards mining must put community safety, transparency, environmental protection and the community's rights at the heart of decision-making,' he said. The Association for the Protection of the Natural Heritage of Malaysia president Rajesh Nagarajan said the rare earth processing industry has been around since Lynas Advanced Materials Plant began operations in 2012 in Pahang. He noted that it has generated well over a significant amount of waste, including approximately 450,000 tonnes of radioactive residue. 'Almost all of it remains in temporary on-site storage. There is still no permanent disposal facility,' he said. 'For more than a decade, residents have lived near accumulated industrial residue while authorities continue reviewing procedures. Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meena Raman 'What is certain is that Malaysia already has a rare earth industry, and with it, the challenge of managing radioactive waste. A long-term disposal solution has yet to be established,' he added. Meanwhile, Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meena Raman welcomed the government's announcement, saying that such safeguards would be beneficial. The group also reiterated its call for the federal and state governments to prohibit REE mining in environmentally sensitive areas, such as permanent forest reserves.
IOL News
12-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
BRICS+ Series: Brazil Leads BRICS Amid Global Uncertainty
General view of the opening session of the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum at the Federal Senate in Brasilia, taken on June 4, 2025. Brazil has taken up the rotating presidency of the BRICS bloc at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty. As the grouping gears up for its annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro this July, the host nation is tasked with managing rising global tensions, partly fuelled by the protectionist trade policies of US President Donald Trump. A member's first The forthcoming summit, scheduled 6–7 July, will be the first to include Indonesia as a full member. Confusion remains over Saudi Arabia's status—it is listed as a member on Brazil's official BRICS presidency website, although it has not officially joined. Nine additional countries—Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan—have been granted 'partner country' status, while over 30 others have expressed interest in joining. This wave of expansion, driven largely by Brazil, Russia and China, has brought BRICS and its partners to represent around 50% of the global population and close to 40% of worldwide GDP. Brazil and India, however, have shown more restraint regarding this enlargement, according to analysts. In addition, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has extended summit invitations to Mexico, Colombia, and Uruguay, in line with diplomatic norms that welcome key non-members with regional or strategic relevance. More than 100 preparatory meetings involving ministers and technical experts are being coordinated in Brasília between February and July. Yet, the discussions in Rio are expected to be heavily influenced by the resurgence of Trump's tariff-centred foreign policy. Conference of the Parties One of Brazil's primary goals for the summit is to formulate a joint strategy on climate finance, enabling BRICS to lead at COP30. According to Brazil's top negotiator, Maurício Lyrio, developing countries require USD 1.3 trillion to address the climate crisis. He voiced frustration with what he described as the 'underwhelming' funding outcomes of COP29 in Baku. At COP30, Brazil and partner nations aim to unveil the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), a USD 125 billion mechanism to finance forest preservation in eligible countries across the Global South. During recent UN biodiversity negotiations (COP16), BRICS played a decisive role in brokering an agreement. Building on that momentum, the bloc now intends to expand its influence on climate matters, especially in light of waning US involvement in global environmental frameworks. That ambition, however, must contend with economic realities. Brazil's oil exports climbed to nearly USD 45 billion in 2024, fuelled largely by Chinese demand. Over the last five years, the volume of crude exports has doubled—and has nearly quadrupled since 2014, official data shows. The BRICS Bank The New Development Bank (NDB), also referred to as the BRICS Bank, is becoming a critical funding institution for developing countries. Under Dilma Rousseff's leadership, the NDB has increased its lending, including a $1.1 billion package to support flood recovery in southern Brazil. As global negotiations around climate finance heat up, the NDB's role in bridging financing gaps for sustainable infrastructure and development has grown increasingly important. Written by: *Dr Iqbal Survé Past chairman of the BRICS Business Council and co-chairman of the BRICS Media Forum and the BRNN *Cole Jackson Lead Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group Chinese & South American Specialist **The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL. ** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates
