Latest news with #NR-REE
Malaysiakini
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
Perak's rare earth assurances demand scrutiny
COMMENT | In a media briefing cloaked in optimism, Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad recently declared that non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mining in the state is environmentally safe, sustainable, and economically promising. But here's the rub: Should a politician be the one assuring us of environmental safety in a venture as complex and chemically sensitive as rare earth mining? What qualifies a menteri besar to speak with such certainty on hydrogeology, groundwater contamination risk, or long-term ecological impact? Saarani said the state's NR-REE pilot project in Kenering, Hulu Perak, adheres to strict environmental impact assessments and employs the so-called latest green technology: in-situ leaching (ISL). Unlike conventional mining, ISL does not involve digging up the earth. Instead, a...
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Perak ensures NR-REE mining follows strict environmental safeguards
LENGGONG: The Perak government has pledged that non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mining will not compromise environmental safety. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad emphasised that while NR-REE mining offers economic benefits, environmental protection remains a top priority. Saarani stated that modern techniques like In-Situ Leaching (ISL) will replace traditional excavation methods. ISL involves injecting ammonium sulfate solution underground to dissolve rare earth elements, which are then extracted without large-scale land disruption. 'Our pilot project in Mukim Kenering strictly follows Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines. 'The ISL method ensures minimal environmental impact, prevents deforestation, and eliminates landslide risks,' he said during the Perak Sejahtera 2030 progress report presentation. The state will halt any NR-REE operations violating SOPs or technical agency requirements. Saarani added that Perak's NR-REE reserves, estimated at 1.7 million metric tonnes, are primarily located in forest reserves across Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Larut Matang, and Selama.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Perak assures NR-REE mining will not harm environment
LENGGONG: The Perak government has assured that all mining activities involving non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) in the state will not harm the environment. Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said although rare earth mining presents a new opportunity for generating state revenue, the government would not compromise on protecting the people's interests. He said the state government guarantees that NR-REE activities will utilise modern mining technologies to improve efficiency and safety while safeguarding the environment. "When we initiated the NR-REE mining pilot project in Mukim Kenering, Hulu Perak, one of the key requirements was strict compliance with environmental impact assessment procedures, particularly those concerning environmental protection. "The latest extraction method for this mineral no longer involves digging but instead uses the in-situ leaching method, which involves injecting ammonium sulphate solution into the ground to dissolve rare earth elements, which are then pumped back to the surface for processing," he said at a press conference after presenting the third-year progress report of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan, here on Monday (June 30). Saarani said the state government would not allow NR-REE mining activities if it does not comply with standard operating procedures and the requirements set by the relevant technical agencies. "NR-REE mining using the ISL method is the latest sustainable approach with controlled environmental impact, low operational costs and good worker safety standards. "Therefore, we do not have to worry about landslides, there will be no clearing of trees, and the forest reserve itself will be protected. If it causes environmental damage, we will not allow it," he said. Previously, media reports stated that the state government had identified new potential NR-REE mineral sites in three additional districts apart from Hulu Perak, with estimated reserves of approximately 1.7 million tonnes. Saarani said based on preliminary studies by the Perak Minerals and Geoscience Department, the districts include Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Larut Matang, and Selama, with 70 to 80% of the potential NR-REE reserves located within forest reserve areas. – Bernama
Barnama
30-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Perak Assures NR-REE Mining Will Not Harm Environment
LENGGONG, June 30 (Bernama) -- The Perak government has assured that all mining activities involving non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) will not harm the environment. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said although rare earth mining presents a new opportunity for generating state revenue, the government will not compromise on protecting the people's interests. He said the state government guarantees that NR-REE activities will utilise modern mining technologies to improve efficiency and safety while safeguarding the environment. 'When we initiated the NR-REE mining pilot project in Mukim Kenering, Hulu Perak, one of the key requirements was strict compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures, particularly those concerning environmental protection. 'The latest extraction method for this mineral no longer involves digging, but instead uses the In-Situ Leaching (ISL) method, which involves injecting ammonium sulfate solution into the ground to dissolve the rare earth elements, which are then pumped back to the surface for processing,' he said at a press conference after presenting the third-year progress report of the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan, here today. Saarani said the state government would not allow NR-REE mining activities if it does not comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) and the requirements set by the relevant technical agencies. 'NR-REE mining using the ISL method is the latest sustainable approach with controlled environmental impact, low operational costs, and good worker safety standards. 'Therefore, we do not have to worry about landslides, there will be no clearing of trees, and the forest reserve itself will be protected. If it causes environmental damage, we will not allow it,' he said. Previously, media reports stated that the state government had identified new potential NR-REE mineral sites in three additional districts apart from Hulu Perak, with estimated reserves of approximately 1.7 million metric tonnes.
New Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Perak govt gives assurances non-radioactive REE mining will not harm environment
LENGGONG: The state government has given its assurances that the mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) will not harm the 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.
