Australian-based mining company Lynas Corporation has expressed confidence that the completion and commission of its controversial rare-earth refinery plant in Gebeng, Pahang, will be achieved before year end.

NONE At a press conference held this afternoon, Lynas executive chairperson Nicholas Curtis ( right ) also said his company accepts the recommendations issued by the nine-member international review panel set up by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to be fulfilled before the plant can start operations.

The panel’s 11 recommendations include the need for Lynas to submit its long-term plans for waste management to the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), as well as its plans for managing the wastes upon decommissioning and dismantling the plant.

"Lynas accept the IAEA's recommendations, and together with the regulatory authorities we will implement the recommendations in full.

“There will be ongoing work after the grant of the pre-operating license to comply with the IAEA recommendations and Lynas will undertake that ongoing work,” Curtis read out from a written statement during a press briefing at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.

The panel’s result, which confirmed that the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (Lamp) has complied with international radiation standards, was announced by the government, two hours before the press briefing.

NONE Although the latest development may delay the plant’s operation for three months, Curtis said that it will not increase their cost significantly.

He was confident that the plant will be able to deliver its first batch of product in the first half of 2012 and enter into full operation by the second half.

Asked whether the current political situation may cause the government not to issue a licence, Curtis declined to comment but repeated that the plant will be commissioned by end of this year.

On the long-term waste management plan recommended by IAEA, he explained that it is a plan for permanent waste storage when the plant closes in 30 to 50 years.

“We will put in the plan to IAEA based on scientific data and the plan is part of the requirement of pre-operating license and we are comfortable with the requirement.”

Curtis reiterated that Lynas has not done enough to engage the local community and they will correct this mistake from now.

“We intend to increase our commitment to community engagement and to engage in a long-term conversation with the residents of Kuantan that will continue for the life of our plant.”

Chairperson welcomes private meeting with MP

Although Curtis stressed that Lynas welcomes active engagement and consultation from all stakeholders, he refused to meet Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh, who has been spearheading the anti-Lynas movement, in a open meeting under the limelight of media.

NONE “It is not appropriate for me as a foreign guest to enter in to a public debate with a Malaysian MP,” he said, adding that it is not conducive to build understanding under such circumstances.

However when a reporter pointed out that Fuziah ( left ) was seeking for a dialogue which involves him, three representatives from the stake holder group of Kuantan and herself, and media only be allowed to field in their questions after the dialogue, Curtis welcomed it.

“I welcome if it is a private meeting with Fuziah and the representatives without the media.”

He added that he had met with representatives from other groups in private.

According to Fuziah, Curtis had replied to her and declined to have an open meeting, citing the same reason.

 

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