THE potential of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) found in five areas in Sarawak must be explored and exploited as a new source of wealth for the state, Krian assemblyman Ali Biju told the state government. 

The deputy energy and natural resources minister said according to a study conducted by the Mineral and Geoscience Department since 2017, the five areas – Munggu Belian in Lundu, Kg. Serikin in Bau, Kg Sorak Melayu (Serian) Kg Riih (Serian) and Berikok (Simunjan), showed the total value of the rare earth in these areas exceeded 300 parts per million (ppm).

He said these areas have promising potential for follow-up studies for reserve assessment purposes, and added the value of 300 ppm was far above the level of economic viability, when debating on the budget this afternoon. 

Ali told the state assembly that not less than 20,000 sq km of Sarawak has volcanic rock and weathered soil, identified to be the source of NR-REE, the same as in China. 

Again using China as a yardstick to illustrate how lucrative the mineral could be, he said 0.4ha has a potential return of RM240,000. 

If exploited, Sarawak, he said, has the potential to become South East Asia’s mineral NR-REE processing hub. 

“Our precious petroleum reserves are not infinite and at some point, in the near future, we may need to look at developing other industries and source of wealth.” 

Ali said elements, metals and alloys contained in the mineral are used in many everyday electronic devices people use today, like computer memory, DVDs, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, catalytic converters, magnets, fluorescent lighting and more. 

He said world demand for the NR-REE “is at an all time high with the unending production of technology-based devices”. 

“As long as there is demand for the latest smartphones with heavy duty batteries, the market continues to grow and shows no indication of slowing down anytime soon.” 

If Sarawak does intend to exploit the resources, Ali said the state would then need to start preparing the ground for this new industry. 

“We need to review, amend, and ratify various acts, ordinances and existing legislation that regulate NR-REE mining so that the commercial exploitation of this valuable asset is protected.” 

His federal ministry, he said, is already working on crafting policies and guidelines for NR-REE mineral exploration and the safe commercial exploitation of NR-REE as well as studying the legal implications for proper regulation. 

“We also need to set up minerals development authorities and minerals mining agencies that will be key regulatory bodies this valuable asset of the nation.” 

Ali said the state government should also draw up local policies for the development of the rare earth mining and development of the industry, while ensuring the environment is protected. – November 11, 2020.