Lynas Rare Earths to operate in Malaysia until 2026

Lynas Rare Earths has been given a reprieve by Malaysian authorities with a decision announced to update its license to import radioactive Lanthanide concentrates from its Mt Weld mine in Western Australia into Malaysia.

The ore which is destined for its Malaysian metals production plant, has been subject to a long running campaign by environmentalists and with the authorities.

Now Lynas Malaysia has been issued with a variation to its operating license which allows continued imports, valid until 2 March 2026.

Under the license the company will increase its R&D investment in Malaysia from 0.5 percent to one percent of gross sales.

The R&D aims to develop ways to remove naturally occurring radioactivity and will be overseen by the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board.

CEO and Managing Director Amanda Lacaze said: “As the leading producer of rare earths outside China, Malaysia plays an important role in the global rare earths supply chain.

“This decision provides a strong foundation for further development of the Malaysian rare earths industry.”

Lynas will now proceed with capital woks to expand separation capacity in Malaysia to 10,500tps of sought after rare earth elements Neodymium and Praseodymium (NdPr).

Lynas has invested RM3 billion in Malaysia over the past 12 years, is currently expanding ore production at Mt Weld, and constructing a part processing plant at Kalgoorlie, WA.

Further reading:
Lynas prepares for Malaysia decision on radioactive ores

Picture: Lynas Rare Earths