Taskforce Set Up To Facilitate Transfer Of Lynas Waste To Australia

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PARLIAMENT | The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change has formed a task force to facilitate the transfer of “water leached purification” (WLP) waste from the Lynas rare earths plant in Gebeng, Kuantan back to Australia.

Deputy Minister Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis (above) said an official letter was also sent to Australian authorities on Feb 26 on the need for their cooperation in the matter
"It was meant to inform them on the need for cooperation besides speeding up Lynas’ request for approval from the Australian government to send back the waste
"In addition, to ensure that the waste delivery process is safe, the government through the Atomic Energy Licensing Board will ensure that Lynas complies with all provisions of the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 and its related regulations
“This as with any other requirements set by the relevant authorities," she said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat today
She said this in response to a supplementary question from Hasbullah Osman (BN-Gerik) on the latest developments on the Lynas Advanced Material Plant (Lamp) operations
Isnaraissah earlier revealed that amendments to the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 were in the final stages of being drafted for submission to the Attorney-General’s Chambers before being tabled in Parliament
The proposed amendments cover the enhancement of safety, security and regulatory controls of radioactive and nuclear waste management.
'Lynas' landfill EIA report submitted'Meanwhile, the ministry in a written reply to Wong Tack (Harapan - Bentong) said Lynas had on March 5 submitted an Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) report to the Environmental Affairs Department for its plans to convert its existing temporary waste disposal facility into an on-site secured landfill
"In line with the department's procedures, the EIA report will be reviewed and a decision will be made within 12 weeks," said the ministry
The latest development follows the expiry of Lynas's temporary license to store its “Neutralization Underflow Residue” (NUF) waste on Feb 15. - Mkini

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