Menteri besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail revealed that the proposal was approved at the state government meeting on April 3 and the SOPs are being finalised.

He said the SOPs are being finalised by the Pahang land and mines office and Pahang Mining Corporation, before the proposal can be submitted to the state authorities.

“A state government delegation conducted a site visit to the project site in Kenering, Hulu Perak on Sept 25 last year, aimed at learning about mining techniques that do not harm the environment.

“As a result, the state government identified Sungai Wang in Hulu Jelai, Lipis, as the potential pioneer mining project,” he said at today’s state assembly sitting at Wisma Sri Pahang here.

He was replying to a question from Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Cheka), who wanted to know the government’s preparedness to tap into REE mining as a source for state revenue.

In a supplementary question, Tuan Ibrahim asked about the government’s measures to ensure profitability in mining following the federal government’s condition that only processed materials can be exported.

Wan Rosdy explained that the matter was raised during a meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and is under consideration.

He also told the assembly that there are two locations abundant in rare earth elements – Lipis and Raub – with a small amount in Bentong, based on a report from the minerals and geosciences department.

“It is understood that there are approximately 1.4 million tons of REE yields in those areas, and if we convert it into ringgit, it is about RM80 billion. With increased yields, more assistance could be extended to the people,” he said.

He said the state government is committed to ensuring that the extraction of these natural resources is conducted using the most optimal and safest methods.