IPOH: Perak is set to build the first non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) laboratory, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad (pic).
The Perak Mentri Besar said the laboratory is a collaboration between three state agencies namely Menteri Besar Incorporated, Perak's State Agriculture Development Corporation (SADC) and State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
"Since we are the pioneers for the NR-REE mining, it is only sensible for us to set up the laboratory as well.
"This means if the elements are found in other states such as Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang, they can come to the lab and check the authenticity," he said during his opening speech at the Perak Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) 55th anniversary dinner at WEIL Hotel here on Wednesday (Oct 4).
Saarani said the decision to set up the laboratory was made a few days ago.
"We have received the approval during the National Mineral meeting with Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on Monday (Oct 2).
"The Federal Government has also approved our request to expand the mining area for the element.
"We are also set to build factories producing the end-product of NREE," he said.
On Sept 23, a news portal reported that Saarani said the state plan to expand the mining area from 87.4ha to 2,160.6ha