LENGGONG: The exploration and mining of lanthanide rare earth in Perak can be a potential key economic driver to the state as well as Malaysia.
Department of Mineral and Geoscience (JMG) director-general Hisamuddin Termidi said studies have shown that Perak currently has around 1,687,500 tonnes of the rare earth element (REE). This, he said, was estimated to be worth US$20.25 billion.
"Therefore, this REE resource needs to be given attention to be developed as a new economic resource in Perak," he said at a press conference after the closing of the Eco-Tourism Reskill and Upskill Training programme at the Tasik Raban Resort here, today.
Hisamuddin said that lanthanide rare-earth mining in Perak was a pioneer project and, if successful, it could also be carried out in other states such as Kedah and Terengganu.
"Other states can carry out lanthanide rare-earth mining after we see results in Perak. Should it be successful, other states can follow suit, especially on the standard operating procedures (SOP).
"But it depends on the adaptation of each state because there are slight differences in terms of laws and so on.
"So, it's up to each of these states. The ministry has prepared the SOP that can be used in other states according to their suitability.
"There are other states, such as Terengganu and Kedah, who have voiced interest in carrying out lanthanide rare-earth mining," he said.
Rare earth metals are a collection of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table, namely scandium, yttrium and the 15 lanthanides.
Their unique magnetic, luminescent and electrochemical properties help make many technologies perform with reduced weight, emissions and energy consumption.
Rare earth allow for greater efficiency, performance, miniaturisation, speed, durability and thermal stability.
On May 23, Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad confirmed the discovery of lanthanide in the Hulu Perak area, which was found during tin ore extraction work.
On Aug 16, the state government received the green light to carry out lanthanide mining in Hulu Perak.
He said the planning permission was received from the Gerik District Council early this month.
The menteri besar said lanthanide was a more valuable resource than tin as the rare earth element could be used for products such as smartphones, watches and electronics.
However, some quarters had objected to the mining effort over concerns about possible adverse effects on the environment