Saturday June 16, 2012

Lynas must fulfil two more conditions

PETALING JAYA: Lynas (M) Sdn Bhd, operator of the controversial rare earth project in Gebeng, Pahang, must fulfil two additional requirements to the five licence conditions imposed by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB).

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said one of the new conditions imposed involved the residue to be disposed of.

“Lynas must submit to the board a method to immobilise radioactive elements in the residue to be disposed of in the event excessive residue is stored in the Residue Storage Facility.

“The method is to trap radioactive elements from being released into the environment,” the statement read.

The immobilisation method will be approved by AELB and be made part of the licence conditions, the statement added.

The other condition is that Lynas must submit an “Emergency Response Plan” to control release of dust from the residue into the environment.

“The Emergency Response Plan is necessary in the event the water sprinkler system fails and it should include a contingency measure to provide an alternative water source on standby at all times.”

The Temporary Operating Licence (TOL) shall only be issued by the board once Lynas has complied with all the conditions, including the two additional ones.

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