Govt identifies 3 Kelantan districts with lanthanide deposits worth RM125b

The government has identified three districts in Kelantan with potential lanthanide deposits of 2,562,500 tonnes worth RM125 billion - which would benefit the people of the state.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin Hassan said the three districts are Tanah Merah, Jeli and Gua Musang.

According to research carried out, a large amount of non-radioactive lanthanide was found in Aring, Gua Musang, spanning an area of 100,000ha, while in Stong, Batu Melintang, Jeli and Tanah Merah, lanthanide deposits were found in areas covering 80,000ha and 25,000ha respectively.

"So far, the standard operating procedure (SOP) to find lanthanide has been completed and the next process will be carried out after discussions with the state government. The process includes the preparation of tender and issuance of permits before the mineral can be mined.

"The Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, through the Minerals and Geoscience Department, will provide the necessary assistance and advice to ease the procedures and process," Takiyuddin told reporters yesterday, at the presentation of a certificate of recognition for the Stong National Geopark to Kelantan Menteri Besar Ahmad Yakob.

Takiyuddin said with the recognition awarded to the Stong National Geopark, it becomes the eighth national geopark to gain recognition because there are 25 geosites and four out of the total have values that are internationally acclaimed.

- Bernama

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