Lynas receives ministerial approval for Kalgoorlie plant

Australia’s largest producer of minerals used to manufacture high technology products, Lynas Rare Earths has received ministerial approval for the rare earths processing facility it is constructing at Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

The company announced that a ministerial statement had been issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), one of a number of approvals needed to progress the plant.

The company has ordered and in some cases received long lead time items for the plant which will process ores for despatch to the company’s Malaysian high-value metals processing plant.

Lynas’ Mt Weld mine in WA is the world’s largest source outside China of rare earths such as Neodymium, Praseodymium, Lanthanum, Cerium and mixed Heavy Rare Earths used to make vehicle catalytic converters and permanent magnets used in high technology products.

However its’ Malaysian plant has drawn the ire of government and conservationists because of its radioactive by-products.

Construction of a processing plant outside that country is a requirement for the company if it is to retain its Malaysian operating licence.

Lynas said in a statement it was pleased to be progressing ‘this important critical minerals value added processing facility in Kalgoorlie which meets the strict environmental conditions of WA regulators.

“This is consistent with our environmental, social and governance approach, our commitment to operating in a way that is safe for our people, our communities and the environment, and our objective to contribute positively to the communities in which we operate.”

Lynas is also constructing a heavy rare earths facility in the United States.

Picture: Lynas Rare Earths

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