KUCHING, Dec 30 — Sarawak does not see the need to make rare earth element (REE) mining activities its main industry despite being listed in the top 10 states with high REE yields, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the industry would affect the environment, thus going against the state government’s goal of emphasising the green economy agenda.

“We are not desperate to carry out REE mining activities and I think there need to be a study done first because it has a negative impact on the environment. We need to focus on other economic activities,” he said.

Abang Johari was speaking to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Che Hia Khor Kidney Foundation Moral Uplifting Society’s (CHKMUS) medical and commercial building project, here today.

Media reports said the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia’s (JMG) records say 10 states have been identified as having potential REEs, namely Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Selangor and Sarawak, with an estimated value of RM809.6 billion. — Bernama

KUCHING: Sarawak does not see the need to make rare earth element (REE) mining activities its main industry despite being listed in the top 10 states with high REE yields, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the industry would affect the environment, thus going against the state government’s goal of emphasising the green economy agenda.

“We are not desperate to carry out REE mining activities and I think there need to be a study done first because it has a negative impact on the environment. We need to focus on other economic activities,“ he said.

Abang Johari was speaking to reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony of the Che Hia Khor Kidney Foundation Moral Uplifting Society’s (CHKMUS) medical and commercial building project, here today.

Media reports said the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia’s (JMG) records say 10 states have been identified as having potential REEs, namely Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Selangor and Sarawak, with an estimated value of RM809.6 billion.

KUCHING: Sarawak does not see the need to make rare earth element (REE) mining activities its main industry despite being listed in the 10 states with high REE yields, says Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the industry will affect the environment, pointing out that this goes against the state government’s goal of emphasising the green economy agenda.

“We are not desperate to carry out REE mining activities. A study needs to be done first because it has a negative impact on the environment. We need to focus on other economic activities,” he said.

According to the Minerals and Geosciences Department, 10 states have been identified as having potential REE – namely Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Selangor and Sarawak – with an estimated value of RM809.6bil.

On another matter, the Premier said the process of Sarawak’s takeover of MASwings Sdn Bhd (MASwings) is expected to be finalised by the first quarter of next year.

He said the process had to be extended to give time for appointed auditors to examine the value of MASwings’ assets.