THE Negri Sembilan government discovered another suspected illegal rare earth mining operation in an agricultural area in Sungai Muntoh, Titi, Jelebu on Thursday.

Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said a report on the matter was received at 5pm and the Land and Mines Office found the location at around 10.30pm the same day.

“The officer discovered the site at a private lot and found that activities are still ongoing, but no arrests were made then,” he told reporters after the Negri Sembilan-level 2023 Anti-Drug Day celebration at the Kuala Pilah Land and District Office today.

“I was informed that government lots are also involved, but the actual area has yet to be confirmed.”

He said such activities, which are conducted in rural areas, are difficult for the authorities to detect. He urged the local community to play a role by informing them.

Media outlets previously reported that the state government had discovered a rare earth mining operation in Kampung Sikai, Seri Menanti in Kuala Pilah on May 16 following a tip-off. – Bernama, May 27, 2023.