Malaysia said Friday it is appointing international experts to investigate whether a refinery being built by Australian miner Lynas Corp Ltd to process rare earth minerals presents any threat of radioactive pollution. The plant in Malaysia's central Pahang state could become the first such facility outside China in years.
Officials say it may curtail China's monopoly on the global supply of 17 rare earths essential for making high-tech goods, including flatscreen TVs, mobile phones, hybrid cars and weapons. But public worries have soared over risks posed by low-level radioactive waste from the site, even though Lynas insists it would have state-of-the art pollution controls.
Malaysian Trade Minister Mustapa Mohamed said Friday that a panel of international experts would soon conduct a month-long analysis of the project's safety. "Let me assure you that the safety of the people has the highest priority," Mustapa told a news conference. ``We will never compromise the public interest in the handling of the Lynas issue, and the health and safety of our people and the environment will continue to receive the highest priority.' The plant will not receive government approval to operate or import any raw material into Malaysia until the panel completes its assessment, Mustapa said.
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