World’s largest rare-earth plant begins production

KUALA LUMPUR (dpa) – The world’s largest rare-earth processing plant in north-eastern Malaysia has began producing finished products, its Australian owner said Wednesday.

Lynas Corporation Ltd began operating its facility in Kuantan town in Pahang state, 210 kilometres north-east of Kuala Lumpur, in November despite environmental protests over health concerns.

The Lynas plant under construction in 2012 in Gebeng, Pahang State, Malaysia. Lynas Corporation Ltd operating the world’s largest rare-earth processing plant in north-eastern Malaysia has begun producing finished products, its Australian owner said Wednesday

Rare-earth metals are vital components in the manufacture of high-technology products such as smart phones, hybrid cars and wind turbines.

Lynas said it expects to process up to 22,000 tonnes of rare-earths ore annually, or about 20 per cent of the world market, at its Malaysian facility. It hopes to generate some 8 billion ringgit (2.66 billion dollars) annually from its operations.

A Malaysian court is still hearing a petition to revoke the operating licence, which Lynas and the national authorities say meets all domestic and international standards.