French Firm Plans Major Rare Earth Plant in Malaysia

French company Carester plans to construct a rare earths separation facility in Malaysia's Perak state. This initiative is part of a decade-long collaboration with local miner Malaco Mining Group. The partnership also seeks authorization for in-situ leaching mining operations across several Malaysian states, employing advanced technology transfers from Carester to Malaco.

Malaysia is strategically positioning itself as a vital center for rare earths, aiming to lessen global dependence on China, the leading producer of these essential minerals. The nation holds significant rare earth deposits, estimated at 274,144 metric tons, and hosts Lynas Rare Earths, a major processing facility outside China.

While specific cost and timeline details are pending, the proposed separation plant is projected to process approximately 13,000 tons of rare earths annually. Carester emphasizes the development of clean in-situ leaching methods to mitigate environmental risks such as groundwater contamination and landslides, focusing on extracting elements like actinium, neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium.