Sampling studies for REE have been carried out at various locations in Penang, including Teluk Bahang. — Filepic
PENANG has begun discussions with several companies on mining rare earth elements (REE) worth an estimated RM100bil in the state.
Penang housing and environment committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu said the companies related to REE mining had made their presentations.
Sundarajoo says discussions are ongoing with several companies on mining REE in Penang.“The state government is carrying out discussions and research about REE field exploration mining; this is something new to us.
“This is why we need to study this to see how best we can proceed with these efforts,” he said in his winding up speech at the Penang Legislative Assembly sitting.
Sundarajoo said he was in the midst of organising a visit to Perak to see the pilot project there and study the method of its implementation, and gauge the benefits in terms of revenue returns to the state.
“This is to ensure that the initiative we implement is in accordance with the conditions and guidelines set by the relevant agencies to protect environmental interest,” he said.
Last year, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told the state assembly that the REE found in Penang was worth an estimated RM100bil.
He said this was based on sampling studies conducted at various locations such as Teluk Bahang, Balik Pulau and around Nibong Tebal by the Minerals and Geoscience Department (JMG).
Chow had explained that the Mineral Enactment (Penang) 2001, which was enforced on Jan 1, 2006, applies.
The enactment aims to establish administrative procedures and regulatory or administrative regularity frame work that is efficient and effective to control mineral mining activities in Penang.
It is to provide safeguards on potentially hazardous mining and production of minerals in the state.
