He said this follows the exploration of minerals, which could be worth RM100 billion, in several areas in the state.

He added that a visit to a pilot RRE project site in Perak is being arranged to see the implementation method and the benefits of mining these minerals.

“Future projects must meet our conditions and guidelines to protect the environment.

“Many companies working on projects like this are meeting us to make their presentations.

“We will also make several site visits because this thing is new to us,” he said when winding up the debate on the motion of thanks to Penang governor Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak’s speech in the state assembly here today.

Last November, chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang has an estimated RM100 billion in rare earth resources, based on sampling studies by the minerals and geosciences department in several locations such as Teluk Bahang, Balik Pulau and around Nibong Tebal.

Meanwhile, Sundarajoo said Penang is also still in discussions with Petronas about the discovery of hydrocarbons in the state, adding that Petronas had asked for more time to complete the data analysis process.

“This survey will increase the availability of larger and more comprehensive seismic data. It started in October 2023 and was completed at the end of December 2023, while the process of analysing the collected data is expected to be completed in June 2024,” he said.

Previously, Petronas said the survey covered an area of more than 38,000 sq km in the Langkasuka Basin, about 30km from Penang.