Lynas gets six more months to build waste plant

 

Lynas, which was supposed to build the plant for low-level radioactive waste by next month, has now been given an extension until March next year. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Rare earths producer Lynas has been granted a six-month extension to build its permanent disposal facility (PDF) for low-level radioactive waste from its plant at Gebeng, Pahang.

The original deadline for the company to build the PDF was September 2021. This has now been pushed to March 2, 2022.

In a statement on its website, Lynas said the extension “recognises the constraints presented by the current Covid-19 conditions”.

It added that Lynas would continue to engage with the relevant government and regulatory authorities regarding approvals related to the building of the PDF.

Previously, the government had ordered Lynas to identify a location for the waste disposal as part of requirements for the renewal of the company’s operating licence.

Meanwhile, Lynas added that the rare earth plant is operating at reduced rates in line with Covid-19 health and safety SOPs for the manufacturing sector.

“As the vigorous third wave of Covid-19 in Malaysia persists, Lynas continues to maintain strict health and hygiene protocols, including testing all staff and contractors prior to entry to the site,” it said, adding that 94% of its staff had received their second dose of vaccinations. - FMT