Rare-earths plant in Malaysia faces hurdle
Legal challenge filed after Australian firm’s project gets approval despite radioactive-pollution fears.
Published On 2 Feb 2012
A Malaysian group representing villagers and civil groups will file a legal challenge to the government’s decision to approve a massive rare-earths plant by Lynas, the Australian mining company .
The Atomic Energy Licensing Board announced late on Wednesday it would grant Lynas a licence to operate the first refinery outside China in years, despite public protests in Malaysia over fears of radioactive pollution.
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It said Lynas must submit plans for a permanent disposal facility within 10 months and make a $50m financial guarantee.
The Malaysian government hopes the Lynas plant will spur growth. But the project has been the subject of fierce protests over health and environmental risks posed by potential leaks of radioactive waste.
Florence Looi reports from the eastern Malaysian city of Kuantan.
Source: Al Jazeera