IPOH: Lanthanide could be processed locally if the rare earth mining project at Hulu Perak is approved, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Perak Mentri Besar said the move would benefit the state and its people.
“There are various opinions about lanthanide. However, since it is non-radioactive, we are considering processing the element once the project starts.
“With the technology and expertise we have, if we process the element here, not only will we have bigger profits, we can also provide more job opportunities,” he said when replying to Yahaya Mat Nor’s (Amanah-Pasir Panjang) question at the state assembly sitting here yesterday.
Saarani assured the people that the authorities would monitor the project closely to ensure public safety.
“We will adhere to the standard operating procedure and prioritise the people’s well-being,” he added.
The Mentri Besar had on May 23 said the project would boost state revenue.
The state government has also received approval from the Environment Department following an Environmental Impact Assessment report on the pilot project.
According to Perak Mineral and Geoscience Department director Datuk Ahmad Zukni Ahmad Khalil, the rare earth element is an ionic adsorption clay and does not contain any harmful radioactive material.
Saarani also said the state cannot dismiss the opportunity to take on the rare earth mining project in Hulu Perak if it benefits the state and public.
He said the investment from the pilot project could have a positive impact on the people in the state, especially those in the Hulu Perak district.
“The local community is expected to receive new job opportunities as a semi-skilled workforce as well as new business opportunities such as restaurants, groceries, stores, accommodations, laundries and workshops.
“In the long term, if the project is approved, the plant will open the door to high-tech industries and boost research and development as well as the commercialisation and innovation sectors,” he said.
Saarani added that minerals are among the state’s important sources of revenue.
“Minerals such as silica, kaolin, tin ore and clay are among the minerals that have contributed to the state’s gross domestic product.
“Based on our data, the mineral sector recorded a total revenue of RM238,163,243.80 from 2019 to 2021,” he said.
A commotion broke out at the sitting yesterday between Howard Lee (DAP-Pasir Pinji) and Datuk Abdul Manaf Hashim (Umno-Pengkalan Hulu) when Saarani claimed that the project was first announced by the previous state government.
Lee, a former state executive council member, said there was no discussion or approval done at the state level during Pakatan Harapan’s time.
