Lynas Malaysia has submitted two judicial review applications at the Kuala Lumpur High Court to challenge the conditions of its operating license. The applications, filed by Lynas Rare Earths Ltd’s Malaysian subsidiary, are seeking a review of the restrictions on importing and processing lanthanide concentrate after January 1, 2024.
In response to earlier domestic appeals made by Lynas Malaysia, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry amended the license to extend the validity of importing and processing lanthanide concentrate until January 1, 2024. However, the ministry dismissed Lynas’ appeals under the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984. Lynas has now initiated judicial review proceedings to challenge the ministry’s decisions.
The license conditions imposed on Lynas Malaysia’s operations differ significantly from the conditions under which the company initially decided to invest in Malaysia. These conditions also contradict the recommendations of the Malaysian government’s 2018 executive review committee report, as well as the Atomic Energy Licensing Board’s audits and prior independent expert scientific reviews of Lynas Malaysia’s operations.
Lynas has made substantial investments in its Malaysian facility and is seeking a review of the license conditions through legal processes. The company aims to ensure fair treatment as a foreign direct investor, as well as a significant employer and contributor to the Malaysian economy.
In May, Minister Chang Lih Kang granted a six-month extension for cracking and leaching operations at Lynas Malaysia, considering the global supply chain conditions for rare earth. However, the ministry rejected Lynas’ appeals to remove four license conditions related to cracking and leaching activities, water leach purification residues, and the importation of lanthanide concentrates from Australia.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
