ALOR SETAR: Kedah will begin generating revenue from rare earth element (REE) mining activities starting next year, says Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
Optimistic of this prospect, he said the state government has received applications from three companies interested to collaborate in exploring and developing the REE industry.
“The applications are for the state government’s approval to obtain prospecting and exploration licences.
“To boost the state’s economic activities and investment opportunities in the next phase of mining, these companies are required to form joint ventures with state-owned companies (GLCs),” he told the state assembly here yesterday.
Muhammad Sanusi said this in response to Amar Pared Mahamud (PN-Kuah), who wanted to know whether the state government had successfully secured investors to explore and develop the REE industry in Kedah, Bernama reported.
The Mentri Besar also said that the state government has identified a potential site for REE mining that does not involve forest reserve areas and intends to begin activities at this location.
He said REE mining activities will be carried out in accordance with the standard operating procedure for REE exploration set by the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.
Speaking about human resource capabilities, Muhammad Sanusi said the state is confident it can meet the necessary requirements.
This includes local expertise, scientists and geologists capable of extracting these elements.
“Prior to this, there was a laboratory at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) that could conduct analysis.
“Therefore, I believe there is already local expertise to extract these elements, but we do need the equipment,” he said in reply to a question by Dr Mohd Suffian Yusoff (PN-Bandar Baharu).
The lawmaker had inquired about the state government’s ability to provide skilled workers for the REE industry.
