Kedah reiterates commitment to responsible REE mining, urges completion of SOP
ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor has reiterated the state government's commitment to complying with strict procedures and guidelines to ensure the responsible mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (REE).
However, he said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) must first finalise the standard operating procedure (SOP) for REE mining in forest reserve areas.
"As long as the ministry's policy continues to prohibit REE mining in forest reserves, there's no point in having SOPs, because most REE reserves are found within forest reserves," he told the New Straits Times.
Sanusi was responding to NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad's recent statement dismissing the Menteri Besar's claims that the federal government was delaying the release of the SOP for REE mining.
Nik Nazmi said the SOP had been completed and distributed to all state governments via a letter dated Dec 20, 2023.
He also reiterated that REE mining is strictly prohibited in permanent forest reserves, environmentally sensitive areas, and designated protection zones.
Commenting further, Sanusi said the state government had tabled proposals twice during National Land Council (MTN) meetings to designate Bukit Enggang in the Sik district as a pilot study site to assess the environmental and forest impact of REE extraction.
However, he said no response has been received from the ministry to date, raising questions about the federal government's commitment to exploring alternative resources that could boost the state's revenue.
"In both National Land Council meetings, Kedah offered Bukit Enggang as a site for a case study on the effects of REE extraction on forest stands and ecological balance, but until now, silence.
"So, what's the point of creating more SOPs if that's their attitude, rigid and unwilling to understand," he added.
Last week, Sanusi claimed the federal government was intentionally withholding the SOP to stifle the development of Perikatan Nasional-led states under the SG4 alliance.
He said the SG4 states, particularly Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu, possess significant REE resources with high potential for generating substantial income if explored legally.
Previously, Sanusi had repeatedly urged NRES to review Policy 12, which prohibits mining within forest reserves, noting that most REE sources have been identified in such areas.
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