Lynas clears obstacle to Malaysia rare earth plant

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Australian miner Lynas Corp. say it hopes to soon fire up its rare earth plant in Malaysia after a parliamentary panel ruled the project is safe.

The panel’s decision Tuesday removed the final obstacle faced by Lynas after the science ministry last week rejected an appeal to revoke a license granted to Lynas earlier this year.

Rare earths are minerals crucial to high-tech manufacturing.

Lynas says the findings of the parliamentary panel are “yet another affirmation of the science” behind its Malaysian plant and the safety features built into it. It says it looks forward to the issuance of the license.

Residents and civil groups have protested the project amid fears of health and environmental risks posed by potential leaks of radioactive waste.

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