Malaysia gives nod for Australian miner Lynas to import, process rare earths until March 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysia’s government says it will allow Lynas Rare Earths to continue to import and process rare earths until March 2026. Science Minister Chang Lih Kang said licensing conditions that called for the Australian miner to halt all activities producing radioactive waste have been lifted. That came after Lynas proposed a new technology to extract radioactive elements from the waste it produces. The Atomic Energy Licensing Board said Lynas’ proposal was feasible. Chang said Malaysia had not softened its stance but considered it a win-win situation. Lynas has been operating in Malaysia since 2012, its first plant outside China producing minerals that are crucial to high-tech manufacturing.