Rare earth company’s extension has loopholes, says activist

KUANTAN: Although the extension given to Lynas came with more stringent requirements, it still has loopholes which need urgent attention, says an anti-Lynas activist.

“The water leach purification (WLP) waste is being properly considered for disposal this time.

“Lynas also has to submit a plan on its cracking and leaching facility as well as a specific site for a permanent disposal facility (PDF), ” said Save Malaysia, Stop Lynas (SMSL) chairman Tan Bun Teet.

“It is also stated specifically now that Lynas has to produce official, written permission from whichever country it plans to send the WLP residue to, which shows that the government is holding Lynas to its earlier commitment.

“But does Lynas have the means to find a suitable site? Also it’s never mentioned how much time will be given for Lynas to build the PDF.

“If they are not forced to build it, Lynas can just delay for as long as they want.

“It is baffling that AELB has left such a gaping loophole, ” said Tan.

He added that stopping all research into the reuse of WLP was a fair move and proposed that Lynas’ research funding be kept by the government as a special fund to compensate workers should they develop illnesses.

Tan said the conditions sounded fine on paper, but when it came to enforcement, he suggested that stakeholders be roped in as well to ensure Lynas adhered to them.

“AELB must get someone who knows this business.

“Previously, I understood that an NGO that did not know much about Lynas’ operations was still part of the monitoring committee.

“This can’t happen under Pakatan Harapan’s watch, ” he said.

Meanwhile, Kampung Balok village community management council chairman Mansor Mokhtar welcomed AELB’s decision, calling it the right move.

“This shows the government has an open mind towards investors like Lynas.

“They are aware Lynas is good for locals, the economy and the development of Kuantan, ” he said.

However, Mansor questioned why the WLP could not be recycled if it could be proven that the material was safe.

“Why send the WLP out of the country or stop research when the residue can be reused here?

“It will present a whole new set of issues with if the WLP is required to be stored permanently, ” he said.

Greenpeace Malaysia campaigner Heng Kiah Chun said Lynas’ operating licence must be revoked if it did not comply with the conditions for the complete removal of toxic and radioactive waste produced by the company.

“As we have done in the past, we will ensure the terms and conditions placed upon Lynas in the new permit will be followed, ” he said.

Source: TheStar