PUTRAJAYA – The research and development of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) mining pilot tests will be carried out in four states, namely Kelantan, Perak, Pahang and Kedah.
The research will be conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and Greensnow Technology Sdn Bhd (GTSB), a mineral mining-based company.
GTSB director-general Nik Abdul Mubin Nik Mahmood said the company will fund the research cost, which is expected to amount to RM450,000, over a 12-month period, while the agency will conduct research on NR-REE mining exploration.
“The exact locations have not been finalised, as we are still waiting for permission from the state governments before we can begin the research,” he said during a virtual press conference, which saw the exchanging of a memorandum of agreement between GTSB and the agency.
He said among other studies, the agency will also identify the effects of such mining by using “in-situ leaching” techniques to dissolve valuable REE, such as neodymium, praseodymium, cerium and others found in clay and rocks.
“The MoA is expected to benefit both parties. The agency can use the data to conduct further studies related to REE, while the company can leverage the data to do RE mining work in future.” – Bernama, January 26, 2021
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