Discuss Lynas Based On Facts, Says Rare Earth Expert

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- A leading rare earth expert from Canada has advised all parties currently engaged emotionally in the rare earth issue of Lynas Advanced Material Plant in Gebeng, Pahang to discuss the issue based on facts. Alastair S. Neil, who is also the executive vice-president of Dacha Strategic Metals, said "the Lynas plant is a chemical factory, and not a nuclear factory, which is a completely different operation". Neil, who presented a paper on 'Supply and Demand in Rare Earth and Human Resource Need' at the First International Symposium on Rare Earth held here, recently, suggested that monitoring and reporting of current and future information on the radiation levels by a third party would be beneficial to overcome the misconception. "The open discussion on this plant and rare earth was encouraging, and it was obvious from the questions asked, that this is an emotionally-charged issue," he said in a statement issued, here, on Monday. Early this month, Neil with other international experts visited the plant in Gebeng, in conjunction with the First International Rare Earth Symposium, organised by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM). Neil said Malaysia had a tremendous opportunity to take part in the high and green technology market segment growth. He commended the Academy Sciences of Malaysia for assembling a superb team to present and review the issues related to rare earth processing, and in particular the Lynas facility, near Kuantan. Impressed with the knowlege and skills of the team, he said: "This is an important factor to the success of any plant. This is a speciality chemical business and they have assembled a very strong group of people with chemical industry operating background and knowledge. "Furthermore, Malaysia will be the second largest producer of rare earth in the world after China, once the Lynas Advanced Material Plant is in operation. "The potential spin-off for Malaysia could be very significant. Companies are looking for a base outside China to expand manufacturing. This would allow the new generation an opportunity to bring Malaysia to the forefront of high technology research and development." Neil was also impressed with Lynas and has described the plant as one of the top state-of-the-art rare earth plants in the world, which was of world-class standard. -- BERNAMA