PUTRAJAYA (Aug 16): The National Physical Planning Council has approved the planning guidelines for rare earth element (REE) mining activities to ensure such activities are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the Department of Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia) has come up with the guidelines as an instrument to facilitate and support sustainable environmental management in conducting mining activities.

“REEs are key components in chips and high-end technology products. It is important to regulate mining activities to protect the environment and prevent illegal exploration, which could cause environmental damage and result in the loss of national revenue,” he said in a statement on Friday.

According to the Department of Mineral and Geoscience, Malaysia has 16.1 million tonnes of REEs with a market value of RM809.6 billion.

Nga said the guidelines prohibit REEs mining in forest reserves and impose an export ban on raw REEs, and includes incorporating the mapping of potential REE mineral areas into the development plan by designating permitted, conditionally permitted, and prohibited zones for mining activities.

Additionally, it outlines the requirements for planning permission related to REE mining activities, suggesting that companies must obtain planning permission before or during the submission of their operational mining scheme (OMS).

“PLANMalaysia will provide advisory services from the spatial planning aspect, in terms of economic, social and environmental aspects, to ensure that each mining operation is conducted in a well-planned and sustainable manner.

“Through the guidelines, we aim to increase state revenue, create more job opportunities, and generate new economic prospects for those engaged in downstream industries,” said Nga.

The National Physical Planning Council held its 45th meeting on Thursday (Aug 15) and was chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/723119