WITH another three years’ grace to process rare earths in Malaysia, Lynas is surging ahead with its cracking and leaching plant in Kalgoorlie, WA.
Lynas managing director, Amanda Lacaze, said the company has confirmed its commitment to the 97pc Malaysian workforce with the renewal of the licence to operate.
“We have created over 1000 direct jobs, 90pc of which are skilled or semi-skilled, and we spend over RM600m ($217 million) in the local economy each year,” she said.
The plant is now ensured to be operational until at least July 2023.
The licence includes the development of a permanent disposal facility in the first year.
The construction of the cracking and leaching plant will be the company’s first step in setting up a critical minerals’ hub in the Goldfields.
Ore from Mt Weld’s rare earth mines will be processed with first production expected from 2023.
With the grant of the new licence, the company has demonstrated to the Malaysian Atomic Energy Licensing Board that the plant has been operating at safe levels over the eight-year project.
“We thank the AELB for its decision to renew the operating licence for three years,” Ms Lacaze said.
“This follows Lynas Malaysia’s satisfaction of the licence renewal conditions that were announced in August, 2019.”
