Malaysia keen on exploring potential rare earth collaboration with India

Ikutsy

KUALA LUMPUR (May 7): Malaysia is keen on exploring the possibility of working together with India on rare earth industry, said the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.

India has vast expertise through Indian Rare Earths Ltd, and Malaysia intends to learn operational models and midstream processing technology, the ministry said in a statement on Thursday following a courtesy visit from India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy.

“This collaboration is expected to include aspects of technology transfer and capacity building of local experts,” the ministry, also known as NRES, said.

The industry is currently dominated by China that processes about 90% of the global rare earth ores and Malaysia is keen to tap its reserves of the group of minerals critical for modern high-tech industries, green energy, and military system.  

Malaysia is already home to the world’s largest rare earth refining facility outside of China through Australia-based Lynas Rare Earth.

The meeting with Reddy also discussed preparations for collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority of India on an “Access and Benefit Sharing” framework, as well as development of the National Climate Change Bill that will be tabled in Parliament this June, the ministry said.

“Malaysia and India remain committed to ensuring a resilient mineral supply chain and inclusive environmental conservation efforts for shared prosperity in the region,” NRES added.