MP SPEAKS | The Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry remains committed to a transparent and responsible approach. We have outlined responses to the four key areas of concern on Lynas’ 10-year licence extension below:
1. Safety of the permanent disposal facility
The facility’s design strictly adheres to international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Under IAEA General Safety Guide No GSG-1 (Classification of Radioactive Waste), Water Leach Purification (WLP) residue is classified as Very Low Level Waste (VLLW). This category of waste can be safely managed through engineered surface landfill facilities.
These facilities are specifically designed to safely contain waste with radioactivity levels above “exempted” limits. WLP residue, which contains natural radionuclides, has a radioactivity level of approximately six Bq/g, well within the safety threshold for VLLW.
In addition, a flood risk assessment was incorporated into the environmental impact assessment (EIA). The findings confirmed that, due to appropriate ground elevation and land treatment during project development, the site is not exposed to significant flood risks.
2. Timeline for thorium extraction
Scaling thorium extraction from laboratory to industrial level is a complex engineering process that typically takes up to seven years. However, the government has mandated that Lynas complete this transition within five years.
The licence will be subject to a comprehensive review after this initial five-year period. During this time, Lynas must meet the following milestones:
By June 3, 2026: Submit the upgrade plan for the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (LAMP) in Gebeng, Pahang;
From March 3, 2028: Begin physical construction and facility modification;
By March 2, 2031: Cease all production of new WLP radioactive residue.
The Atomic Energy Department (Atom Malaysia) will strictly monitor compliance through continuous enforcement, including performance checks and environmental sampling.
The Environment Department will also oversee compliance under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Failure to meet these conditions may result in licence revocation.
3. Management of radioactive waste
The “cracking and leaching” process has been a longstanding concern, as it generates WLP residue. Previous approaches focused on the long-term storage of this waste through permanent disposal facilities.
Under the current licence conditions, a clear end-point has been established: Lynas must stop producing WLP residue by March 2, 2031. All WLP generated between March 2026 and March 2031 must undergo thorium extraction, reducing its radioactivity from approximately six Bq/g to below one Bq/g, effectively rendering it non-radioactive.
Importantly, Lynas is no longer permitted to construct any new permanent disposal facilities. This ensures that, beyond 2031, no additional radioactive waste will accumulate in Malaysia, providing a long-term resolution to this issue.
The cracking and leaching process is also carried out in Kalgoorlie, Australia, where it produces iron phosphate residue. Mastery of this process is critical for Malaysia’s advancement in the rare earth value chain, enabling a shift from raw extraction to high-value processing and refining.
4. Real-time monitoring and transparency
To enhance transparency, the ministry and the Atomic Energy Department have made the Environmental Radiation Monitoring System (ERMS) accessible to the public. Real-time environmental radiation data can be viewed here and here.
The government remains committed to strict oversight, ensuring that radioactive waste does not continue to accumulate in Malaysia. - Mkini
CHANG LIH KANG is the MP for Tanjung Malim and science, technology and innovation minister.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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