Lynas Corporation Granted Malaysia License
Feb
7
Written by:
07/02/2012 13:57
Public protests over fears of radioactive contamination
A Group representing villagers and civil groups will challenge the Malaysian government's decision to approve a rare earths plant to be constructed by Lynas, the Australian mining company.
At the moment China has a monpoly in the market for 17 rare earths essential for making high-tech goods, including flatscreen TVs, mobile phones, hybrid cars and weapons.
The Atomic Energy Licensing Board announced late on Wednesday this week that it would grant Lynas a licence to operate the first refinery to be built outside China in years, despite public protests in Malaysia over fears of radioactive pollution.
It said Lynas must submit plans for a permanent disposal facility within 10 months and make a $50m financial guarantee.
The Malaysian government hopes the Lynas plant will spur growth. But the project has been the subject of fierce protests over health and environmental risks posed by potential leaks of radioactive waste.
The report below is from Al-jareeza's Florence Looi in the eastern Malaysian city of Kuantan.