Perak govt gives assurances non-radioactive REE mining will not harm environment
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said all processes involved are subject to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.
"When we begin developing the pilot project in Kenering, it will be governed by SOPs agreed upon by the ministry. The primary concern is the environment.
"It cannot, under any circumstances, lead to environmental pollution. That's why the extraction method has changed. We no longer use digging or open-cut mining techniques," he said.
Saarani sai this to reporters after presenting the Third-Year Progress Report of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan at the Kolej Kemahiran Tinggi Mara here, today.
He said the new method, known as in-situ leaching, involves injecting ammonium sulfate — a type of fertiliser — into the ground.
"The chemical reaction within the soil then releases the NR-REE, eliminating the need for conventional mining methods that can scar the landscape.
"There will be no more abandoned mines like in the past," he said.
Saarani also reaffirmed that the process would not involve deforestation or trigger environmental hazards such as landslides.
"That is very important. There's no need for concern, because this new technology offers strong environmental safeguards.
"We are firm, if it causes damage, we will not allow it," he said.
He added that the state government expects to receive official approval from the federal government soon to begin full-scale NR-REE development.
"Since NR-REE cannot be sold in raw form, we've already planned a three-phase development model namely upstream, midstream, and downstream," he said.
He said the state has already established the Terra Mineral Lab for midstream activities and has begun collaborating with a specialist in material separation.
"If the federal government approves our proposal, we will set up additional midstream facilities including a lab to verify NR-REE materials and another for separation.
"As for downstream development, the state will seek investors to establish factories that will produce final products such as magnets, batteries, and other high-tech components.
"This is a long-term strategy. Just as tin once drove Perak's economy, NR-REE now has the potential to become our next major source of wealth," he said.
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