Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has confirmed that Australian rare-earth mining company Lynas, which is the subject of inter-ministerial dispute, can continue to operate locally.
This is as long as the firm adheres to the stipulation that it removes its radioactive waste from the country, or finds ways to reduce the radioactivity of raw materials before bringing them into Malaysia.
Mahathir said that several other companies which have offered to buy over the company or take over its operations have claimed to be able to “clean up” the raw materials prior to importing them into the country.
The premier said this after stating that Malaysia decided to “open up the business” following concerns that the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) is unable to remove its Water Leach Purification (WLP) waste.
WLP waste comprises residue that contains naturally occurring radioactive material.
“Yes (Lynas will be allowed to continue operating). We have imposed an extra condition that they must take away the waste, but where can they take it?
“So what we have done is open up the business to other people [...] They (other companies) have given us a promise that in future, before sending the raw material to Malaysia, they will clean it up first.
“They will crack it and decontaminate it somewhere with regard to radioactivity,” the premier said during a press conference today.
He added by cleaning the raw material first, the radioactive volume would be less and thus, less hazardous.
“So even Lynas can continue if they can promise that the raw material from Australia will be brought here after cracking and cleaning it up.”
Although he did not name any of the companies, it was recently reported that Australian conglomerate Wesfarmers launched a A$1.5 billion (US$ 1.1 billion) takeover bid for Lynas. This bid was, however, rejected.
Late last year, the Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Ministry instructed Lynas to send its stockpile of WLP - currently over 451,654 tonnes of it - to Australia by September 2, which is when it’s temporary storage license is up for renewal.
This was one of two pre-conditions set by the ministry, the other being that the company must submit an action plan on the disposal of its accumulated non-radioactive neutralisation underflow residue (NUF).
The cabinet has had to discuss the issue following contradictory statements made by Environment Minister Yeo Bee Yin and Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof after the latter commented that plant in Gebeng, Kuantan, could be allowed to continue operations in the interests of attracting foreign investments.
This, solicited criticism by other Harapan leaders as the matter did not fall within Redzuan’s purview.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said both ministries has interest in the matter and that the two ministers were merely engaged in “healthy debate”. - Mkini
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