Malaysia Extends Lynas Rare Earth Operations Until 2026 Amid Protests for Transparency

Lynas aims to extract radioactive thorium from its Malaysia plant's waste as activists call for proof of the plan's feasibility.

Australian miner Lynas Rare Earth has been given until March 2026 to continue its operations in Malaysia, despite producing radioactive waste material. The decision was announced by Malaysia’s Minister of Science, Chang Lin Kang.
The government's approval follows Lynas' proposal of a new process to extract radioactive element thorium—from both the rare earth it imports and the waste it produces. However, concerns about feasibility persist among activists.
Environmental group Friends of the Earth Malaysia expressed disappointment at the government's decision, which it feels was based only on preliminary study by Lynas. The group demanded greater transparency and for the study results to be publicly accessible.
Activists have criticized the extent of Lynas' operations and their environmental impact, stressing on the company's lack of a proven method to safely remove thorium from its existing waste. Activist Wong Tack said it was irresponsible for the Malaysian government to extend Lynas’ license under these circumstances.
Lynas' Malaysia plant—in operation since 2012—has accumulated significant toxic waste, and while measures to build a permanent disposal facility are in progress, it's unclear why it took so long to initiate this. The facility manufactures minerals essential for high-tech manufacturing, potentially meeting almost a third of the world's demand for rare earths, excluding China.