LENGGONG, Aug 26 (Bernama) — Several states have expressed their interest to implement lanthanide mining projects similar to that being conducted in Hulu Perak, Perak, Minerals and Geoscience Department director-general Hisamuddin Termidi said.
Those states, including Terengganu and Kedah, could take Perak as an example, but they would still be required to follow non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mining standard operating procedures, he said after the close of the Geoguide training course programme, which was officiated by Lenggong Geopark Geocommunity Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah today.
It has been reported that the Hulu Perak lanthanide mining project could start as early as September following the conditional planning approval given by the Gerik district council.
Hisamuddin said the department is and will continue to conduct NR-REE studies throughout the country that focus on resources and not discovery of reserves, as lanthanide has high market value, adding that it is estimated that Perak has 1,687,500 tons of NR-REE worth USD20.25 billion.
It was also reported that Energy and Natural Resource Minister Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan said studies under the 12th Malaysia Plan indicated the country had 15.2 million tons of NR-REE worth RM741 billion.
On the Geoguide programme, Hisamuddin said several Geopark locations besides Perak, such as those in Johor and Sabah will conduct similar training programmes to achieve the target of 710 geoguides in the country.
“It will cover basic courses, advanced courses and intensive training. We currently have around 400 geoguides who play a role in ensuring the safety of visitors and providing quality service,” he said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency