2025-11-04,BALING

The Kedah government is adopting a cautious approach to rare earth elements exploration and mining, stressing that all environmental requirements and technical approvals must be fully met before any operations can begin.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said rare earth work in the state remains strictly at the exploration stage.

Sanusi said securing the necessary approvals is a lengthy process, involving multiple agencies, detailed studies, and guarantees that the environment will not be disrupted.

"So far, there has been no new progress. Everything is still at the exploration stage. After obtaining the exploration licence (EL), an environmental impact assessment (EIA) must be conducted, and around 10 conditions or approvals from various agencies must be met.

"I visited Perak, and they went through the same requirements. From what I was told, it took them about a year and a half to complete all the studies and approvals. It's not a process that moves quickly," he said after attending the state-level World Town Planning Day celebration here today.

Improper rare earth mining can contaminate water and soil, release radioactive and toxic waste, and destroy habitats, posing serious environmental risks and highlighting the need for strict regulatory oversight.

Rare earth elements are essential for smartphones, electric cars, wind turbines, and other high-tech products, as well as certain military applications such as rockets and precision-guided weapons.

Global demand is rising as nations shift towards clean energy, with China dominating much of the supply chain.

Sanusi said companies that previously applied for exploration licences in Kedah include Prospect Suria, TGI, and Thousand Eight, all of which remain at the mapping and documentation stage.

"After securing the EL and pinpointing where the rare earth elements are located, they still need to work through all the requirements one by one," he added.

Sanusi said the state will uphold environmental safeguards, even as rare earth is eyed as a potential economic boost for Kedah.