Malaysia granted license to an Australian rare earth mining firm, which will be operating its first ever rare earth plant outside China in many years, despite many public protests over the possible fears of radioactive communicationAccording to the firm, Lynas Corp’s refinery possesses the capability of meeting nearly one third of the world’s, excluding China, demand for rare earths. This can also contain the role played by China’s stronghold control over the global supply of some 17 rare earths which are essential for making high-tech goods that include mobile phones, flash screen TVs, weapons and hybrid cars. According to the Atomic Energy Licensing Board, a license will be issued to Lynas and it can be withdrawn at any time if any terms of the agreement are broken.

According to the agreement, Lynas is required to acquire a facility for permanent disposal within 10 months time, and pay a $50 million financial guarantee to the Malay government. The board said further that the residues produced is going to be the responsibility of the company and when deemed necessary it will be returned back to its source located in Mount Weld, Australia. The board can also evaluate the compliance of Lynas at the company cost. The plant, worth $230 million dollars (700 million ringgit), plans on being based in the central Pahang state and has evoked some serious protests over the environmental and health risks it poses by the probable risks of radioactive waste.

In 1992, the last rare earth refinery of Malaysia, formed by the Mitsubishi group of Japan, was closed after large scale protests accused it of causing leukemia and birth defects among the children of local population.

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