Speaking at the state assembly sitting today, Sanusi said the state government had received applications from three companies interested in collaborating to explore and develop the state’s REE industry.

“The applications are for government approval for prospecting and exploration licences.

“To boost the state’s economic activities and investment opportunities in the next phase of mining, these companies are required to form joint ventures with state-owned companies,” he said.

He was responding to Amar Pared Mahamud (PN-Kuah), who asked whether the state government had successfully secured investors to explore and develop Kedah’s REE industry.

Sanusi said the state government had identified a potential site for REE mining that did not involve forest reserve areas, where it intends to start its activities.

He added that the state government was proceeding with caution and would implement REE mining activities in accordance with the SOPs for REE exploration set by the natural resources and environmental sustainability ministry.

Sanusi said the state government was also confident it could meet the necessary human resources requirements, including for local expertise, scientists, and geologists capable of extracting these elements.

“I believe there is already local expertise to extract these elements, but we do need the equipment,” he said in reply to a question by Suffian Yusoff (PN-Bandar Baharu) on the state government’s ability to provide skilled workers for the REE industry.