24-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) The Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang, announced that Lynas Malaysia will retain the privilege to import naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) until its existing license expires in March 2026. Additionally, the Australian rare earth materials producer will be permitted to continue its cracking and leaching operations, subject to the condition that radioactivity levels in the water leach purification (WLP) residue remain at acceptable levels.
Chang made this announcement during a press conference held at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency on Tuesday, October 24. He stated, “The Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) has resolved to amend the current license conditions for Lynas Malaysia, allowing the company to import NORM until the expiration of its license in March 2026.”
Chang further explained, “We will also be permitting the company to proceed with cracking and leaching activities.”
In order to ensure compliance with the AELB’s guidelines, local experts will conduct tests on the WLP residue to verify that radioactivity levels remain below one becquerel per gramme, as specified by the AELB.
