SEREMBAN: The Negri Sembilan government aspires to initiate efforts to explore rare earth elements (REE) as a new economic resource for the state starting next year.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun stated that they are confident and believe that this endeavour can be accomplished, and proactive steps are being taken, including holding discussions with various parties related to REE mining.
"For now, we are awaiting the final standard operating procedures (SOP) regarding REE mining from the federal government.
"God willing, in the near future, we will be able to see how these SOPs are structured.
"We aim to make REE a new source of revenue for the state government starting from next year," he told reporters after chairing the weekly executive council (exco) meeting at Wisma Negeri here today.
Yesterday, Berita Harian reported that Malaysia possesses non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) estimated to be at around 15.2 million tonnes with the current market value potentially reaching up to RM747.2 billion ($182 billion).
The estimated high value of NR-REE resources allows the country to potentially invest in the related industry, thus providing a substantial boost to the national economy.
Negri Sembilan is one of several states that have NR-REE resources, along with Johor, Melaka, Perak, Kedah, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan.
Further commenting, Aminuddin emphasised that the relevant SOPs are crucial to ensure the safety and control of REE mining, and the benefits it would bring to the people of Negri Sembilan.
"I believe this is a new resource that can provide fresh income for the state government.
"But we need to control (the mining), follow the prescribed procedures. We don't want it to be uncontrolled because it could have an impact on the environment," he said.
Regarding the recent trespassing at two REE sites, the menteri besar said that the investigation is nearing completion and will be submitted to the deputy public prosecutor (DPP) for further action.
"The investigation is almost complete and I think the investigation report will be brought to the DPP for further action. I'm not saying there will be charges or anything, maybe there is a need for the investigation to be expanded or charges to be filed, I'm not sure about that," he said.