KUALA LUMPUR: An Australian rare earths mine has received more backing and the all-clear to begin activities in Malaysia. A statement, issued by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed here, effectively shuts out further dissent from the miner's detractors, who have continued to highlight fears of radioactive pollution from the RM2.5 billion plant. The minister acknowledged that public fear has not been allayed but reasoned that the government had already subjected the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) to an “unprecedented series of evaluations" by experts. “I [would] also like to point out that it is the government's position that in cases where all conditions imposed by regulatory agencies have been complied with, an applicant should be allowed to carry on with the implementation of its project," he said, referring to Lynas' application for a manufacturing license to kick off operations at its refinery in Gebeng, Kuantan. Opponents of the plant said they would continue to pressure the government to remove the plant from the country's land. The committee recommended granting Lynas an operating license to begin processing rare earths imported from Australia at the plant in eastern Malaysia. The facility was awarded a license in February but the government froze that following protests by thousands of people, saying the panel would review the decision. “The committee found that up to now all the safety, health and environmental aspects in connection with the project... have been met," the panel said in a 74-page report. The panel was widely expected to rule in favor of the plant. The opposition has largely condemned the ruling and refused to join the panel, which they say will be detrimental to the country as a whole. Rare earths are mineral elements used in the manufacture of high-tech gadgets ranging from iPods to missiles, and China's control of about 95 percent of world supply has raised concerns. Environmental concerns have been the main protest from environmentalists, residents and politicians in the country. They argue that the radioactive waste that will be produced will create an unsustainable environment in the area. “It needs to be closed because this is going to cause problems to our childrens' health and it is not Malaysian," one resident in Kuantan told Bikyamasr.com. But the panel said radiation levels were “low and safe" but would need to be monitored, along with air and water quality and public health. A Malaysian court in April dismissed a legal application by Pahang residents to halt work at the plant, which was originally schedule to start operations late last year. Lynas has insisted the facility is safe and any waste will be stored and disposed of securely.
