KUALA LUMPUR: The licence of Australian rare earth materials producer Lynas will be revoked if it fails to comply with the conditions, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
“Lynas must comply with the conditions imposed since March 2020 so that cracking and leaching (C&L) activities that produce radioactive waste will be conducted in Australia.
“No C&L activities will be carried out at the Lynas Advanced Material Plants in Gebeng, Pahang, after July 2023.
“Other activities that do not involve the production of radioactive waste are allowed to continue operating,” he said.
Chang also confirmed that Lynas’ licence has been renewed for three years until March 2, 2026.
“Therefore, all licence conditions that have been decided before March 3, 2020 until March 2, 2023 must continue to be complied with by Lynas,” he said.
Chang did not deny the possibility of job losses following the government’s announcement.
“There might be some job losses. Until and unless we settle this waste management issue, we cannot allow it to conduct C&L,” he said.
The minister also appeared unfazed that Lynas may pull out of Malaysia.
“Up to Lynas. We are allowing them to operate but we are asking them to close down the C&L plant, which is part of the process.
“There is no element of surprise. They are well aware of the conditions,” added Chang.
In response to the requirement to shut its cracking and leaching facility in Gebeng, Lynas CEO and managing director Amanda Lacaze said it would proceed with administrative and legal appeals to ensure Lynas is treated fairly and equitably as a foreign direct investor and a significant employer and contributor to the Malaysian economy.
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