An audit conducted on the pilot non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mining project in Kenering, Hulu Perak in Perak - which used the in-situ leaching (ISL) method - found it to have complied with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
In a statement today, the Minerals and Geoscience Department director-general Zamri Ramli also said the audit revealed that the pilot project also met the requirements of relevant technical agencies.
According to Bernama, Zamri, who was responding to reports pertaining to the risk of landslides from uncontrolled REE mining, explained that the ISL NR-REE mining technology involved minimal land clearing and tree felling.
The method, he added, involved the use of a low-concentration ammonium sulphate solution - which was injected into the soil to extract NR-REE through an ion exchange reaction.
“The minerals are then extracted through the piping system and gathered at the base of the hillside for subsequent processing,” Zamri said.
Meanwhile, the ion exchange process, he said, would not disrupt the stability and cohesive force of the soil.
Safe for environment
"The ISL mining method carried out in ion-adsorption clay surfaces can only be implemented for REE minerals found above the groundwater level.
“It is to guarantee the effectiveness of the targeted leaching process and to avoid contamination of the groundwater," Zamri added.
As a control and mitigation measure for groundwater pollution, he explained that monitoring wells were strategically built at identified locations to detect the possibility of leakage.
He also said that there is a specific procedure to control pollution, such as the flushing method to halt the further flow of pollutants.
"In conclusion, NR-REE mining using the ISL method is the latest sustainable method where the impact on the environment can be controlled, with low operating costs and a good level of worker safety," he said.
The Hulu Perak area had been earmarked for rare earth mining with the mineral to be used by the electronic sector.
Meanwhile, on Oct 3, National Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the first meeting of the committee to coordinate mineral industries development had reviewed the audit report of the pilot project.
However, Nik Nazmi said the details of the audit and whether the pilot project was successful were not revealed.
Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad, in September last year, said the high-impact pioneer project received approval from the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) from the Department of Environment, as well as for the Erosion Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) from the Department of Drainage and Irrigation.
On Sept 27, Saarani said the pilot project covering an area of 78ha has generated almost RM16 million in royalty for the Perak government.
He also said the revenue was from the export of rare earth carbonate (REC) to China until last July.
Therefore, Saarani stated the state government has plans to continue with the mining in all the areas covering 2,160ha that have obtained the environmental impact assessment approval.
According to a study carried out by Perak’s Minerals and Geoscience Department, he said the estimated NR-REE deposit in the state is 1,687,500 tonnes - valued at RM46.5 billion based on the current REC market price of RM27,061.80 per tonne. - Mkini
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