The level of emissions measured on site at the Lynas Advanced Material Plant in Gebeng is “lower than limits specified”, said the company.  

 

In a statement posted on its website, Sydney-based Lynas Corporation Ltd said that this has been the case since the commencement of operations in November 2012.  

 

“Since the commencement of Lamp operations in November 2012, the measured operations on site has consistent been significantly lower than the limit specified in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Radiological Impact Assessment (RIA).  

 

“Lynas provides real-time monitoring of these emissions at the Lamp, and the results are transmitted to Malaysia's Department of Environment (DoE) and to the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB),” it said.  

 

The project, which has faced heavy public resistance, is being monitored by a committee under the Science, Technology and Innvoation Ministry, headed by Malaysian Institute of Chemistry president Dr Soon Ting Kueh .  

 

The establishment of the committee is among recommendations made by a Parliamentary Select Committee on the Lamp. The committee monitors compliance of conditions imposed on Lynas and its impact on the safety of workers, public and environment.

 

Weak demand

 

The AELB last year said that the Radiological Impact Assessment found that radiation exposure resulting from the Lamp is at a “safe and acceptable level” and below the maximum permissible 500 mSv per year. 

 

“AELB will continuously monitor all emissions from the plant to verify that Lynas is complying  

with such regulations in order ensure public health and safety,” it said in the Frequently Asked Questions document uploaded onto its website.  

 

Meanwhile, Lynas added that the plant has reached full capacity for the first phase of production - cracking and leaching.  

 

It said that it is now moving on to the next level of production - the separation of rare earths and product finishing - but the rate will be determined by market demand.

 

“(The) current rare earth market remains subdued. Prices this calendar year have continue to fall, although there are now emerging signs of stablisation in some categories,” it said.  

 

As such, Lynas is implementing cost-cutting measures “until higher market prices are reached”.