KUALA LUMPUR: The government needs to be cautious about the mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) to prevent Malaysia from becoming like China, the pioneer in mineral mining.
Dr Nor Shahidah Mohd Nazer, an expert in Geological Engineering and Soil Mechanics from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), said that China is currently facing serious issues related to water and air pollution, loss of biodiversity and public health problems.
"If we are not careful with NR-REE mining, it is not impossible for Malaysia to face similar issues as China in the future," she told Berita Harian yesterday.
She mentioned that the rare earth industry will be developed using the in-situ leaching (ISL) method, which is considered less environmentally damaging because it involves minimal soil excavation and chemical use. However, she pointed out that the in-situ leaching method would still have an impact on the environment because continuous chemical use could potentially cause chemicals to seep deep into the soil and eventually reach underground water sources.
"However, this depends on the groundwater levels in a particular area. If the groundwater levels are shallow, the risk of contamination is higher compared to areas with deep groundwater.
"During the rainy season, water infiltration into the soil increases and can lead to chemicals penetrating deeper layers. In terms of soil structure, the use of certain chemicals can disrupt soil electromia balance.
"The leaching technique using chemicals varies depending on the type of mineral extraction, so it is important to understand how it interacts within the soil and disrupts soil structure.
"For example, salt can make the soil soft through sodic soil absorption or sodium dispersive properties. This is highly risky as it exposes sub-surface areas to pipe erosion. In sloping areas, soil erosion can occur," she said.
It was reported today that Malaysia is estimated to have 15.2 million tonnes of NR-REE resources with a current market value potentially reaching RM747.2 billion ($182 billion), offering substantial returns and investment potential in the related industry.
According to the Natural Resources and Environment and Climate Change Ministry, data on the NR-REE mineral reserve treasure of the country was obtained through research and surveys by the Minerals and Geoscience Department.
The distribution of NR-REE resources in the country is concentrated in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Kedah, Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan.
Meanwhile, the Executive Committee chairman responsible for NR-REE standard operating procedures (SOP), Prof. Datuk Dr. Azizan Abu Samah, said that it is impossible to achieve zero environmental impact, except through the efforts of the relevant parties to reduce its effects.
Therefore, he said, the SOP adopted by Perak in Mukim Kenering, Hulu Perak, will also be used for mining sites to be operated in the country.
"One of the caveats for reducing environmental impact is that the Minerals and Geoscience Department will not grant licences for permanent reserve forests associated with the Central Forest Spine (CFS) to form the backbone of the Sensitive Environmental Area network," he said.
For the record, the Perak government received its first royalty payment of RM1.66 million from the pioneer NR-REE project operator in the state for the first export of the final mining product, rare earth carbonate (REC), to China, totaling 296,194.5 tonness for February.
A total of 4,477.039 tonnes of REC were exported to China through four shipments in February, March, and April, with approximately 1,000 tonnes of REC remaining at the site.