Kuala lumpur: The Minerals and Geoscience Department's Mineral Research Centre is leading efforts to develop sustainable extraction and waste treatment technologies for rare earth elements (REE) from local sources.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Secretary-General (Natural Resources) at the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), Datuk Mas Rizal Mohd Hilmi, announced that the project titled 'Development of Waste Treatment Technology from Non-Radioactive REE Processing Plants' commenced last year and is projected to conclude in 2026. The initiative aims to create eco-friendly waste treatment methods for REE processing and is exploring extraction techniques such as in-situ leaching and solvent-based recovery from secondary sources like metal mine effluents.

Datuk Mas Rizal made these remarks during his keynote address at the 11th Mineral Symposium (Simpomin 2025) held today, with JMG Director-General Datuk Zamri Ramli also in attendance. He emphasized NRES's dedication to research and development, innovation in mineral processing, product development, mine waste management, and the integration of renewable energy in mining operations.

He further noted the ministry's commitment to employing digital systems, online monitoring, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information systems (GIS) for mineral resource mapping. He underscored the importance of nurturing skilled professionals with technical expertise, integrity, and a visionary outlook to support ongoing research and training initiatives in mineralogy.

Datuk Mas Rizal reiterated that continuous investment in research and technical capacity building remains a top priority for the ministry.