Kuala Lumpur:The permanent disposal facility (PDF) for radioactive waste produced by Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd has reached 77 percent completion as of August 31. The facility has successfully transferred 1.45 million metric tonnes of the 1.467 million metric tonnes of Water Leach Purification (WLP) waste generated.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang reported that four disposal cells, labeled A, B, C, and D, have been completed, with the process of filling the facility with Auto Leach Residue (ALR) waste currently underway.

Radiation monitoring by the Atomic Energy Department (JTA) up to September 10 indicated that the radiation dose readings outside the PDF remained below 20 millisieverts per year. This level complies with the dose limit set under Act 304 (Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984) for radiation workers.

In response to a query about the renewal of Lynas’ licence for a decade, the status of the PDF, and the mechanisms ensuring the cessation of radioactive waste generation by 2031, Minister Chang confirmed that Lynas must halt the production of WLP radioactive waste before March 2031. Any existing waste must be treated to decrease its activity concentration to below one becquerel per gram using research and development-proven methods.

Minister Chang emphasized that this strategy aims to diminish and ultimately cease the generation of radioactive waste via recycling or reuse, ensuring the sustainable and safe management of mineral resources.

Regarding accountability in the event of a radioactive waste leak, Minister Chang outlined that Lynas is required to monitor the facility within the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP) site for the initial five years. This ensures the activity concentration of WLP waste is reduced below the control limit of one becquerel per gram as stipulated under Act 304. Lynas must also continue its R&D on WLP waste, with oversight from the JTA. Should Lynas continue to generate radioactive WLP waste beyond this period, the JTA has the authority to suspend or revoke the licence.

Earlier in March, the government decided to renew Lynas Rare Earths’ operating licence for another decade, permitting the Australian mining company to import raw materials with naturally occurring radioactive materials and process rare earth elements.