The government today reiterated its stand that Australian mining giant Lynas Corporation must comply with the 11 recommendations made by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before it can start operations at its Advanced Material Plant in Gebeng, Pahang.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Maximus J Ongkili stressed that the recent report by a special IAEA panel - set up to study the plant's safety aspects - only provides a "pathway" for Lynas to proceed with its controversial project.

biomalaysia 2008 071008 maximus ongkili "...The government's position is clear that Lynas has the full responsibility to provide a comprehensive long-term detailed plan for waste management, including at the decommissioning and remediation level, before any further licensing approval can be considered by the government," Maximus ( right ) said in a statement today.

The IAEA report, completed and handed over to the government last week, outlined 11 recommendations , which include requiring Lynas to submit a long-term waste management plan to the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) as a way to enhance understanding, transparency and visibility of regulations among the public and further engage stakeholders.

Maximus said it is compulsory for Lynas to comply with all the recommendations if it wants to push the project forward, and assured that the government will keep a close eye on the company.

"Until this is done, the status quo remains: there will be no importation of raw materials into the country, and no operational activities will be allowed on site.

"On its part, the government is committed to improve the management of the regulatory function by AELB and other agencies as highlighted by the IAEA report."

‘Public safety, health main priority'

Maximus pointed out that the government will also do its part to improve the public's understanding of actions taken by regulatory bodies, especially related to inspection and enforcement at Lynas' plant.

anti lynas bukit perlindung solidarity walk 260611 anti lynas boy "Rest assured, the government will continue to undertake the required monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure that all aspects of public health and safety of the Lynas project are satisfactorily addressed. Public health and safety will not be compromised at all times," Maximus said.

Lynas' RM700 million rare earth processing facility, located some 25km north-east of Kuantan, has sparked sustained protests from local residents over the past few months due to fears of potential radiation poisoning.

Both the company and the government had given repeated assurances of the plant's safety, but the government eventually caved in to public pressure and announced the formation of a special panel to study whether or not the plant complies with international safety regulations.