The Malaysia Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB) has renewed the Full Operating Stage Licence (FOSL) for Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (Lamp) for three years until September 2019.

Lynas Corporation Ltd in a statement said the renewal followed a rigorous review undertaken by the AELB and other independent regulatory bodies in Malaysia.

They concluded that Lamp, located in Gebeng, Kuantan, was in compliance with applicable regulations.

“We are delighted that our licence has been renewed, reflecting four years of safe operations at Lamp,” said its chief executive officer Amanda Lacaze.

She said Lynas had four years of operational data to show there had been no increase in background radiation levels at one km, five km, 10 km or 20 km from the plant.

“There has been no adverse impact on the nearby residents of Kuantan or surrounding villages and all water discharges have been measured to be safe at all times for the community,” Lacaze added.

Importantly, she stressed, Lynas continued to provide online real-time operational readings directly to the authorities, which is also accessible to the public via the websites of the AELB and the Department of Environment.

“We have clear evidence and certifications from independent bodies that our operations and emissions are safe.

“Lynas is committed to continuing to be a valuable contributor to the local Kuantan and broader Malaysian communities. The renewal of the FOSL for an extended three year period is an essential foundation to that commitment,” Lacaze said.

In a news report in July, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said claims made by anti-Lynas protesters, of pollution and people getting cancer were unwarranted as the Lynas refinery in Gebeng, Kuantan has been operating for three years without incident.

Lamp is one of the largest and most modern rare earth separation plants in the world.

It is designed to treat the Mt Weld concentrate from Australia and produce separated Rare Earths Oxide (REO) products for sale to customers in locations, including Japan, Europe, China and North America.

Commissioning of the plant started in late 2012.

- Bernama