Dr M: Lynas can operate, but raw material brought into country must be decontaminated first

PUTRAJAYA: Lynas can continue to operate in Malaysia, on condition that the raw material brought into the country is decontaminated first, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic).

The Prime Minister said Malaysia has opened up the rare earth mining business to other companies, and they will only be allowed to operate if they comply with the government's conditions.

“We have opened up the business to other people.

“There are other companies willing to buy up or acquire Lynas.

“They have given us a promise that in future, before sending raw materials to Malaysia, they will clean it up first and decontaminate it with regards to radioactivity.

“This is so that when the raw material comes here, the volume is less and the waste is not dangerous to anybody,” said Dr Mahathir at a press conference here after chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting.

Dr Mahathir said the condition is not restricted to Lynas, but to all companies who can make such promises.

This decision was made during today's Cabinet meeting, after several Cabinet members with differing opinions have traded public barbs over the Lynas matter.

Australian-based Lynas has a processing plant in Pahang, but is facing problems getting licence renewals for the plant due to concerns over waste management.