GERIK: Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad will request the Federal Government to expand non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mining areas in Perak. The Mentri Besar will approach the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Ministry for this request.
Currently, the mining area is 5,000ha away from forests reserves. Saarani said the new request for additional areas will follow standard operating procedures. He made these statements after the Meet The Customers session at the Gerik District Council multipurpose hall on July 20.
ALSO READ: Rare metals mining can provide steady source of revenue, says Perak MB
Saarani also assured that Perak has always followed guidelines when processing minerals. He added, “As the pioneering state for this project, we will closely monitor it to ensure adherence to SOPs. Consequently, illegal mining should not be an issue in the state unless individuals attempt it, which has not been reported.”
The pilot project for lanthanide mining in Hulu Perak began in October last year.
ALSO READ: Perak govt received RM1.66mil royalty from rare earth carbonate exports, says MB
Lanthanides are rare earth metals used as catalysts in the production of petroleum and synthetic goods.
Saarani mentioned during a state assembly sitting in May that Perak received RM1.66mil in royalties from the first export of 296.2 tonnes of rare earth carbonate (REC) to China in February.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
