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COMMENT | We refer to Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s announcement last week that the state intends to mine rare earth elements (REE) that could be worth up to RM62 billion.
REEs are mined from ores and minerals, as they are often not found concentrated in exploitable deposits. REEs are almost always found in conjunction with significant radioactivity, as these minerals and ores naturally contain uranium and thorium.
There are 17 rare earth elements, namely Scandium, Yttrium, Lanthanum, Cerium, Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, and Lutetium. Can the MB tell us what kind of non-radioactive rare earths are found in Kedah?
The mining and processing of rare earths is a much more dangerous process for the environment than other mining activities, as radioactive waste is formed. They have serious environmental impacts if not managed properly …
