PM's comments on Lynas's license renewal welcome

LETTER | Lynas Malaysia welcomes the prime minister’s recent comments, which were consistent with our existing licence conditions and with the recommendations of the Pakatan Harapan government’s Executive Review Committee.

The prime minister indicated that the export of our water leach purification (WLP) residue will not be a condition for renewal of Lynas Malaysia’s operating licence.

Residue management has always been a key part of Lynas’ planning and operations, and Lynas has complied with its license conditions which require the residues to be stored safely. Residues are stored in permanent disposal facility (PDF) compliant facilities which have been approved by the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB). This was affirmed by the Executive Review Committee which found that Lynas Malaysia’s operations are compliant with relevant regulations and residue storage facilities are operated in a proper manner.

Lynas has also complied with its license condition to complete research to identify options to safely reuse the residues. Independent and peer-reviewed research over several years has demonstrated that WLP residue, an iron phosphate material with very low-level radioactivity, can be safely reused in a soil conditioner product. In addition, Lynas has complied with its license conditions relating to PDF Planning.

Should the preference of the Malaysian government be a PDF, Lynas Malaysia’s current residue management practices, research, together with international best practice, can be applied to identify options to best utilise the material. As an example, there are a number of disused mines in the state of Pahang that require rehabilitation and a PDF can be designed such that it assists in the rehabilitation of this land, providing environmental benefits in a sustainable way.

We will work with the government of Malaysia, the Pahang state government and all relevant regulatory bodies to successfully implement these plans.

Lynas Malaysia has already deposited US$42.2 million with the Malaysian government (in cash and cash-backed bonds) to fund long term residue management.

The writer is managing director and vice-president of Lynas Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.