Lynas appeal to drop 4 licence conditions rejected

Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd's appeal to drop the four licence conditions set by the Atomic Energy Licencing Board (AELB) has been rejected, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

Chang in a statement yesterday said that after consideration, Lynas' appeal was rejected after an appeal hearing session on April 28 following AELB's decision.

However, he agreed to extend the period for the plant’s cracking and leaching (C&L) activities until Dec 31 after taking into account the impact of the decision on the rare earth supply chain at the global level.

"As such, effective Jan 1, 2024, Lynas needs to ensure that its overseas C&L plants start operations as Lynas will no longer be allowed to import raw materials containing natural radioactive materials into Malaysia," he said.

AELB had rejected Lynas' application to drop four conditions related to water leach purification (WLP) residue management after July 2023, C&L activities at the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant, and import of lanthanide concentrate from Australia.
 
With the decision, Lynas can no longer produce additional radioactive waste after July 2023.

Chang said the decision by the minister was final based on Section 32(5), Atomic Energy Licensing Act.

"This decision was made after taking into account economic interests, environmental protection and public health," he said.

He said the government understood the importance of the rare earth industry and was committed to ensuring that any business dealings related to the industry would not have a negative impact on the environment and the local population.

"Therefore, the decision was taken after careful evaluation, based on the principles of sustainable development and safety," he said.

Chang said the ministry would continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the rare earth industry in Malaysia grows responsibly and complies with the regulations and standards set.