PETALING JAYA: Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg says the state is in no hurry to mine rare earth elements (REE) as it is focused on its other mineral deposits.
Berita Harian reported him as saying despite ongoing REE studies in the state, the state has no intentions yet to mine REE as it will cause environmental destruction.
“Such mining requires detailed studies as it can harm the environment.
“Why do we have to introduce an industry that can harm the environment when we have cleaner and more environment-friendly industries?” he said in Kuching today.
Abang Johari’s comments come after the mineral and geosciences department recently identified Sarawak as one of 10 states with potential for REE mining.
The other states are Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor and Selangor.