Published: Wednesday September 5, 2012 MYT 4:23:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday September 5, 2012 MYT 9:59:10 PM

Lynas gets temporary operating license

PETALING JAYA: The Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) in Gebeng, Kuantan has been issued a two-year Temporary Operating Licence (TOL) effective from Sept 3.

In a statement, the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) said it was satisfied that Lynas has fulfilled all technical aspects, including dust control measures and radioactivity immobilisation methodologies in its residue management system, and all regulatory requirements.

AELB also noted that Lynas had made a commitment to remove water leach purification residue from Malaysia.

“In this regard, the Board has decided to issue the TOL to Lynas, effective for two years from Sept 3 this year to Sept 2, 2014,” it said on Wednesday.

“The TOL will enable Lynas to conduct trial processing of lanthanide concentrates in stages and in limited quantities under close and continuous surveillance by the authorities.”

Meanwhile, Lynas Corp executive chairman Nicholas Curtis said in a statement that LAMP was expected to commence the transport of rare earth concentrate into the country next month.

“If Lynas complies with safety standards, the TOL would be converted into a full operating license over the next two years, Curtis said.

He added that the refinery would also process waste into co-products that could be exported from Malaysia.

Meanwhile, ONG HAN SEAN reported from KUANTAN that the three major anti-Lynas groups have questioned the issuance of the TOL, especially since a court case is still ongoing.

On Aug 28, the High Court here granted leave to two groups of residents to challenge the decision by the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister not to revoke the TOL.

Stop Lynas Coalition chairman Andansura Rabu said the AELB's decision to grant the TOL was contempt of court.

“Our appeal against the court's decision to dismiss our judicial review application will be heard on Sept 10,” he said, adding that the group would discuss the next step with its lawyers.

Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas chairman Tan Bun Teet said the group would file an injunction against the TOL issuance in the shortest time possible.

Himpunan Hijau chairman Wong Tack said it would mobilise a blockade at the port to stop the rare earth from coming in.

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Published: Wednesday September 5, 2012 MYT 4:23:00 PMUpdated: Wednesday September 5, 2012 MYT 9:59:10 PM

Lynas gets temporary operating license

Published: Wednesday September 5, 2012 MYT 4:23:00 PM
Updated: Wednesday September 5, 2012 MYT 9:59:10 PM