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ALOR SETAR: The intention of the state government to exploit rare earth elements (REE) is still in a preliminary stage, without any mining activity being carried out so far.
Grand Minister Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor (Photo) said the approval given to a Kuala Lumpur-based company was to carry out exploration work at Sik.
He said the process would involve verifying the composition of mineral deposits in the area.
He added that the findings, still in their early stages, would involve various related departments and agencies.
“The state government sees this as another source of income for Kedah.
“We have to explore it first, but of course, it will be through the right process and technologies,” he said.
On Thursday, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Datuk Dr. Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said there would be no approvals of operational mining schemes for non-radioactive REEs until standard operating procedure (SOP) and rules were followed.
He said his ministry was the agency responsible for ensuring that mining activities and the management of natural resources were carried out in a sustainable manner.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) expressed concern about the Kedah government’s intention. Its president, Meenakshi Raman, said that according to media reports, Sanusi had said that the REEs, found in Sik, Ulu Muda and Baling, were not radioactive.
Meenakshi said that last year the former minister of Water, Lands and Natural Resources also made similar claims about an agreement between a Chinese company, Chinalco GXNF Rare Earth Development, and the Perak government for the exploration of rare earth minerals.
The ministry, in response to SAM at the time, claimed that the Chinese company had the expertise to identify possible sources of rare earths in Perak, especially ion adsorption deposits, which did not contain thorium or uranium as by-products.
“SAM believes that the Kedah venture could be similar to the one being carried out in Perak.
“We appeal to mentri kissing to confirm this and find out if the company involves the same Chinese company.
“Our concerns are not allayed by Kedah MB or the federal government that the company does not involve radioactive elements,” Meenakshi said in a statement Thursday.
Sanusi said they will analyze the SOP and regulations in relation to the project, adding that it will be discussed with the National Minerals Council, which will be reactivated by the federal government.
It previously announced that the state had mineral deposits estimated at RM 43 trillion, and a Kuala Lumpur-based company received a permit last week to undertake exploration work at Sik.
His office later clarified that the correct figure for rare earth deposits was RM62bil.
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