Perak: The Perak government has assured that all mining activities involving non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) will not harm the environment. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad emphasized that while rare earth mining presents a new opportunity for generating state revenue, the government will not compromise on protecting the people's interests.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saarani stated that the state government guarantees that NR-REE activities will utilize modern mining technologies to improve efficiency and safety while safeguarding the environment. During the initiation of the NR-REE mining pilot project in Mukim Kenering, Hulu Perak, strict compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures was a key requirement, particularly concerning environmental protection.
Saarani explained that the latest extraction method for these minerals, known as the In-Situ Leaching (ISL) method, avoids traditional digging. Instead, it involves injecting ammonium sulfate solution into the ground to dissolve the rare earth elements, which are then pumped back to the surface for processing. This method is promoted as a sustainable approach with controlled environmental impact, low operational costs, and good worker safety standards.
He further assured that the state government would not permit NR-REE mining activities unless they comply with standard operating procedures (SOP) and the requirements set by relevant technical agencies. The ISL method ensures there are no landslides, no clearing of trees, and the protection of forest reserves. Saarani firmly stated that if any environmental damage is anticipated, such activities will not be allowed.
Media reports have highlighted that the state government identified new potential NR-REE mineral sites in three additional districts apart from Hulu Perak, with estimated reserves of approximately 1.7 million metric tonnes. Preliminary studies by the Perak Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) have identified Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Larut Matang, and Selama as districts with potential NR-REE reserves, with 70 to 80 percent located within forest reserve areas.