Kedah Rare Earth Mine Probed By Macc Is Now State Pilot Project

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Rare earth mining in the Bukit Enggang forest reserve in Sik, Kedah, which was earlier this year under corruption investigation, is now an official pilot project for mining the lucrative mineral.
Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the site is now part of a study to measure the impact of rare earth mining in forest reserves and on the environment.
"The government is ready to give full cooperation for this study," Sanusi told Berita Harian.
In July, the MACC started investigating alleged abuse of power involving Kedah Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), in relation to rare earth mining in Bukit Enggang.
This followed reports by several NGOs and local residents about large-scale illegal mining in the area, resulting in a raid.
The mining was reported to be a joint venture between the state government, a local company and a company from China.
Read more: Can Kedah extract 'clean' rare earth elements?
Last month, Sanusi confirmed giving a statement to the MACC about the case.
In August, in the lead-up to the Kedah state election, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail produced photographs allegedly linking Sanusi to rare earth mining operation.
He also blamed the Kedah government for the alleged theft of the minerals from Bukit Enggang.
Yesterday, National Resources, Energy and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced that state governments are now allowed to conduct rare earth explorations, using existing rare earth mining standard operating procedures and minerals policies. - Mkini

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