KUALA LUMPUR – There will be no rare-earth mining until the federal government irons out the regulations and standard operating procedures (SOP) to oversee such activities, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (Lenggong-BN) said the government is not ready to allow rare-earth mining activities, despite Kedah’s recent approvals.
Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor had already issued a permit to explore rare-earth mining in the state.
“For now, the National Land Council has yet to discuss, in detail, matters concerning the exploration and extraction of rare-earth (minerals) in Kedah and other states. But the ministry is formulating a framework on its SOPs.
“Even though the issuance of mineral exploration permits is a state prerogative, the prerequisites (for matters involving rare earth) will be formulated by the federal government and other related agencies,” said Shamsul.
He added that the SOPs to mine rare-earth minerals will be scrutinised by the National Mineral Council, which will hold its first meeting later this month.
“The SOPs will encompass matters concerning mining, waste management, manufacturing and mine decommissioning.”
Shamsul was asked by Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan-PH) about the rare-earth exploration and extraction works announced by the Kedah government last week.
The first time the country exploited rare-earth minerals from its feedstock was in 1979, in Bukit Merah, Perak.
It was believed to have poisoned scores of residents at a nearby village, who had suffered from leukaemia and birth defects.
Malaysia stopped rare-earth mining in 1992. – The Vibes, December 8, 2020
