S'wak has no plans yet to mine rare earth elements - Abang Johari

Sarawak does not see the need to make rare earth element (REE) mining activities its main industry despite being listed in the top 10 states with high REE yields, said Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg.

He said the industry would affect the environment, thus going against the state government’s goal of emphasising the green economy agenda.

“We are not desperate to carry out REE mining activities and I think there needs to be a study done first because it has a negative impact on the environment. We need to focus on other economic activities,” he said.

Abang Johari was speaking to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Che Hia Khor Kidney Foundation Moral Uplifting Society’s medical and commercial building project in Kuching today.

Media reports said the Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia Department’s records indicate 10 states have been identified as having potential REEs, namely Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Selangor and Sarawak, with an estimated value of RM809.6 billion.

- Bernama

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