Editing Rare-earth element (section)

===Other countries===
As a result of the increased demand and tightening restrictions on exports of the metals from China, some countries are stockpiling rare-earth resources.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://business.financialpost.com/2011/09/06/eu-stockpiles-rare-earths-as-tensions-with-china-rise/ |work=Financial Post |title=EU stockpiles rare earths as tensions with China rise |agency=Reuters |date=September 6, 2011 |access-date=2011-09-07 |archive-date=July 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719233436/http://business.financialpost.com/2011/09/06/eu-stockpiles-rare-earths-as-tensions-with-china-rise/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Searches for alternative sources in [[Australia]], [[Brazil]], [[Canada]], [[South Africa]], [[Tanzania]], [[Greenland]], and the [[United States]] are ongoing.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/business/global/10mineral.html?scp=10&sq=brazil&st=nyt |title=Canadian Firms Step Up Search for Rare-Earth Metals |agency=Reuters |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 9, 2009 |access-date=2009-09-15 |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410095515/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/business/global/10mineral.html?scp=10&sq=brazil&st=nyt |url-status=live}}</ref> Mines in these countries were closed when China undercut world prices in the 1990s, and it will take a few years to restart production as there are many [[barriers to entry]].<ref name=Livergood2010/><ref name="Leifert2010">{{cite magazine |author=Leifert, H. |title=Restarting US rare earth production? |magazine=Earth |date=June 2010 |pages=20–21}}</ref> 

Significant sites under development outside China include [[Steenkampskraal mine|Steenkampskraal]] in South Africa, the world's highest grade rare earths and thorium mine, closed in 1963, but has been gearing to go back into production.<ref>{{cite magazine |editor-last=Casey |editor-first=Jessica |date=5 February 2022 |title=Monoceros Mineral Resources invests in Steenkampskraal Rare Earths |magazine=Global Mining Review |url=https://www.globalminingreview.com/finance-business/15022022/monoceros-mineral-resources-invests-in-steenkampskraal-rare-earths/ }}</ref> Over 80% of the infrastructure is already complete.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.steenkampskraal.com/the-mine/ |title=About The Mine |website=Steenkampskraal Rare Earths Mine |date=May 3, 2016 |language=en-US |access-date=2019-07-19 |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517013624/https://www.steenkampskraal.com/the-mine/ |url-status=live}}</ref> 

Other mines include the Nolans Project in Central Australia, the [[Bokan Mountain]] project in Alaska, the remote [[Hoidas Lake]] project in northern Canada,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gwmg.ca/pdf/Insinger_Report.pdf |author=Lunn, J. |date=2006 |title=Great western minerals |location=London |publisher=Insigner Beaufort Equity Research |access-date=2008-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080409121623/http://www.gwmg.ca/pdf/Insinger_Report.pdf |archive-date=2008-04-09}}</ref> and the [[Mount Weld]] project in Australia.<ref name=Wikinvest/><ref name="Leifert2010"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2838509920090831 |title=California mine digs in for 'green' gold rush |access-date=2010-03-22 |work=Reuters |date=August 30, 2009 |first=Steve |last=Gorman |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410095515/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN2838509920090831 |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Hoidas Lake]] project has the potential to supply about 10% of the $1 billion of REE consumption that occurs in North America every year.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gwmg.ca/projects/hoidas-lake |title=Hoidas Lake, Saskatchewan |publisher=Great Western Mineral Group Ltd. |access-date=2008-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331102738/http://www.gwmg.ca/projects/hoidas-lake |archive-date=2009-03-31}}</ref> [[Vietnam]] signed an agreement in October 2010 to supply Japan with rare earths<ref name="supply deal">{{cite news
|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11661330
|title=Rare earths supply deal between Japan and Vietnam
|work=BBC News
|date=31 October 2010
|access-date=June 21, 2018
|archive-date=July 3, 2022
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703011024/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11661330
|url-status=live
}}</ref> from its [[Tây Bắc|northwestern]] [[Lai Châu Province]].<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2010/10/2010103191334878158.html
|title=Vietnam signs major nuclear pacts |publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|AlJazeera]] |date=31 October 2010 |access-date=31 October 2010}}</ref> The deal was never realized due to disagreements.<ref>{{cite news |last=VnExpress |title=Gần 10 năm chưa khai thác được đất hiếm |url=https://vnexpress.net/gan-10-nam-chua-khai-thac-duoc-dat-hiem-4537518.html |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=vnexpress.net |language=vi}}</ref>

The largest rare-earth deposit in the U.S. is at [[Mountain Pass rare earth mine|Mountain Pass]], California, sixty miles south of [[Las Vegas]]. Originally opened by [[Molycorp]], the deposit has been mined, off and on, since 1951.<ref name=Wikinvest/><ref>{{cite web |title=Mountain Pass Mine |publisher=Mindat |url=https://www.mindat.org/loc-11616.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909142430/https://www.mindat.org/loc-11616.html |archive-date=9 September 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> A second large deposit of REEs at Elk Creek in southeast [[Nebraska]]<ref name="Lasley-2022">{{cite magazine |last=Lasley |first=Shane |date=6 September 2022 |title=Elk Creek deposit proves to be rare earth |magazine=Metal Tech News |url=https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2022/05/25/tech-metals/elk-creek-deposit-proves-to-be-rare-earth/947.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909141058/https://www.metaltechnews.com/story/2022/05/25/tech-metals/elk-creek-deposit-proves-to-be-rare-earth/947.html |archive-date=9 September 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> is under consideration by NioCorp Development Ltd <ref>{{cite web |title=Mining Venture Draws $200 Million in Tax Incentives and Red Flags (1) |url=https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-state/mining-venture-draws-200-million-in-tax-incentives-and-red-flags |access-date=2020-12-01 |website=news.bloombergtax.com |language=en |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618141715/https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-state/mining-venture-draws-200-million-in-tax-incentives-and-red-flags |url-status=live}}</ref> who hopes to open a niobium, scandium, and titanium mine there.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.omaha.com/money/long-discussed-niobium-mine-in-southeast-nebraska-is-ready-to/article_33913f7a-93fa-11e7-9144-8f1cad9c36eb.html |title=Long-discussed niobium mine in southeast Nebraska is ready to move forward, if it gathers $1 billion in financing |access-date=2019-05-18 |archive-date=May 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511210056/https://www.omaha.com/money/long-discussed-niobium-mine-in-southeast-nebraska-is-ready-to/article_33913f7a-93fa-11e7-9144-8f1cad9c36eb.html |url-status=live}}</ref> That mine may be able to produce as much as 7,200 metric tons of ferro niobium and 95 metric tons of scandium trioxide annually.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://niocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/NIoCorp_Corporate_Presentation.pdf |title=NioCorp Superalloy Materials The Elk Creek Superalloy Materials Project |access-date=2019-05-18 |archive-date=August 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210819204036/http://niocorp.com/wp-content/uploads/NIoCorp_Corporate_Presentation.pdf }}</ref> As of 2022, financing is still in the works.<ref name="Lasley-2022"/>

In the UK, Pensana has begun construction of their US$195 million rare-earth processing plant which secured funding from the UK government's Automotive Transformation Fund. The plant will process ore from the [[Longonjo#Economy|Longonjo mine]] in Angola and other sources as they become available.<ref>{{cite web |title=Building an independent and sustainable supply of magnet metal rare earths for the Electric Vehicle and Offshore Wind OEMs |date=18 August 2022 |publisher=Pensana Plc |url=https://pensana.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/RNS-REACH-Pensana-to-provide-magnet-metal-rare-earths-to-electric-vehicle-and-offshore-wind-OEMs_18August-2022-003.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909152152/https://pensana.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/RNS-REACH-Pensana-to-provide-magnet-metal-rare-earths-to-electric-vehicle-and-offshore-wind-OEMs_18August-2022-003.pdf |archive-date=9 September 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Arnoldi">{{cite magazine |last=Arnoldi |first=Marleny |date=25 May 2022 |title=Pensana confirms $494m capital cost for its Saltend, Longonjo operations |magazine=Mining Weekly |url=https://www.miningweekly.com/article/pensana-confirms-494m-capital-cost-for-its-saltend-longonjo-operations-2022-05-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712220855/https://www.miningweekly.com/article/pensana-confirms-494m-capital-cost-for-its-saltend-longonjo-operations-2022-05-25 |archive-date=12 July 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> The company are targeting production in late 2023, before ramping up to full capacity in 2024. Pensana aim to produce 12,500 metric tons of separated rare earths, including 4,500 metric tons of magnet metal rare earths.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pensana breaks ground at Saltend and secures ATF funding |date=22 July 2022 |website=Pensana PLC |url=https://pensana.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pensana-Plc-RNS-Saltend-Ground-Breaking-22-July-2022-1.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722105048/https://pensana.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Pensana-Plc-RNS-Saltend-Ground-Breaking-22-July-2022-1.pdf |archive-date=22 July 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=UK's first magnet refinery given huge financial boost as first ever strategy for supply of critical minerals published |date=22 July 2022 |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uks-first-magnet-refinery-given-huge-financial-boost-as-first-ever-strategy-for-supply-of-critical-minerals-published |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>

Also under consideration for mining are sites such as [[Thor Lake]] in the [[Northwest Territories]], and various locations in [[Vietnam]].<ref name=Wikinvest/><ref name=Reuters/><ref name=Cbc2013-11-04>{{cite news
|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/federal-minister-approves-n-w-t-rare-earth-mine-1.2356245
|title=Federal minister approves N.W.T. rare earth mine
|quote=It follows the recommendation from the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Review Board in July, and marks a major milestone in the company's effort to turn the project into an operating mine. Avalon claims Nechalacho is "the most advanced large heavy rare earth development project in the world".
|publisher=[[CBC News]]
|date=2013-11-04
|access-date=November 5, 2013
|archive-date=June 22, 2022
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622012302/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/federal-minister-approves-n-w-t-rare-earth-mine-1.2356245
|url-status=live
}}</ref> 

In 2010, a large deposit of rare-earth minerals was discovered in [[Kvanefjeld]] in southern [[Greenland]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ggg.gl/Rare-Earth-Elements/Rare-Earth-Elements-at-Kvanefjeld.htm |title=Rare Earth Elements at Kvanefjeld |website=Greenland Minerals and Energy Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918165406/http://www.ggg.gl/Rare-Earth-Elements/Rare-Earth-Elements-at-Kvanefjeld.htm |archive-date=2010-09-18 |access-date=2010-11-10}}</ref> Pre-feasibility drilling at this site has confirmed significant quantities of black [[lujavrite]], which contains about 1% rare-earth oxides (REO).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ggg.gl/Projects/New-Multi-Element-Targets-and-Overall-Resource-Potential.htm |title=New Multi-Element Targets and Overall Resource Potential |website=Greenland Minerals and Energy Ltd. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118075404/http://www.ggg.gl/Projects/New-Multi-Element-Targets-and-Overall-Resource-Potential.htm |archive-date=2010-11-18 |access-date=2010-11-10}}</ref> The [[European Union]] has urged Greenland to restrict Chinese development of rare-earth projects there, but as of early 2013, the [[government of Greenland]] has said that it has no plans to impose such restrictions.<ref>{{cite news |author=Carol Matlack |url=http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-02-10/chinese-workers-in-greenland |title=Chinese Workers—in Greenland? |date=February 10, 2013 |work=Business Week |access-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-date=February 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213141927/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-02-10/chinese-workers-in-greenland }}</ref> Many Danish politicians have expressed concerns that other nations, including China, could gain influence in thinly populated Greenland, given the number of foreign workers and investment that could come from Chinese companies in the near future because of the law passed December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324077704578357792781721964 |title=Greenland Votes to Get Tough on Investors |first=Clemens |last=Bomsdorf |date=March 13, 2013 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=10 February 2017 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028082449/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324077704578357792781721964 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In central [[Spain]], [[Province of Ciudad Real|Ciudad Real Province]], the proposed rare-earth mining project 'Matamulas' may provide, according to its developers, up to 2,100 Tn/year (33% of the annual UE demand). However, this project has been suspended by regional authorities due to social and environmental concerns.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.elmundo.es/cronica/2019/05/24/5ce58be121efa0e77f8b4651.html |title=Hay tierras raras aquí y están... en un lugar de La Mancha |date=2019-05-24 |website=ELMUNDO |language=es |access-date=2019-05-24 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623164720/https://www.elmundo.es/cronica/2019/05/24/5ce58be121efa0e77f8b4651.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

Adding to potential mine sites, [[Australian Securities Exchange|ASX]] listed Peak Resources announced in February 2012, that their Tanzanian-based [[Ngualla]] project contained not only the 6th largest deposit by tonnage outside of China but also the highest grade of rare-earth elements of the 6.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20120229/pdf/424pl5vn67q4h0.pdf |publisher=Peak Resources |title=Maiden Resource, Ngualla Rare Earth Project |website=ASX Release |date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=April 11, 2012 |archive-date=April 16, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416073235/http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20120229/pdf/424pl5vn67q4h0.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[North Korea]] has been reported to have exported rare-earth ore to China, about US$1.88 million worth during May and June 2014.<ref name="Petrov">{{cite news |last1=Petrov |first1=Leonid |title=Rare earths bankroll North Korea's future |url=http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Korea/NH08Dg01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120808102430/http://atimes.com/atimes/Korea/NH08Dg01.html |archive-date=August 8, 2012 |access-date=22 October 2018 |work=Asia Times |date=Aug 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.voakorea.com/a/north-korea-rare-earth/1966603.html |title=북한, 올 5~6월 희토류 중국 수출 크게 늘어 |date=July 28, 2014 |website=voakorea.com |language=ko |trans-title=North Korea Rare Earth exports to China increased significantly from May to June |access-date=February 10, 2017 |archive-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330104756/https://www.voakorea.com/a/north-korea-rare-earth/1966603.html |url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2012, researchers from two universities in Japan announced that they had discovered rare earths in [[Ehime Prefecture]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Japan Discovers Domestic Rare Earths Reserve |url=http://www.brightwire.com/news/207869-japan-discovers-domestic-rare-earths-reserve |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120723024000/http://www.brightwire.com/news/207869-japan-discovers-domestic-rare-earths-reserve |archive-date=2012-07-23 |publisher=BrightWire}}</ref>

In January 2023, Swedish state-owned mining company LKAB announced that it had discovered a deposit of over 1 million metric tons of rare earths in the country's [[Kiruna]] area, which would make it the largest such deposit in Europe.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/swedens-lkab-finds-europes-biggest-deposit-rare-earth-metals-2023-01-12/ |title=Sweden's LKAB finds Europe's biggest deposit of rare-earth metals |work=Reuters |date=13 January 2023}}</ref>

China processes about 90% of the world's REEs. As a result, the [[European Union]] imports practically all of its rare earth elements from China. The [[European Union Parliament]] considers this to a strategic risk.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ATAG/2022/733586/EPRS_ATA(2022)733586_EN.pdf|title=Securing the EU's supply of critical raw materials}}</ref> 

In 2024 American Rare Earths Inc. disclosed that its reserves near Wheatland Wyoming  totaled 2.34 billion metric tons, possibly the world's largest and larger than a separate 1.2 million metric ton deposit in northeastern Wyoming.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Maio |first=Pat |date=February 7, 2024 |title=Rare Earths Discovery Near Wheatland So Big It Could Be World Leader |url=https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/02/07/rare-earths-discovery-near-wheatland-so-big-it-could-be-world-leader/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |newspaper=cowboystatedaily.com |language=en}}</ref>

In June 2024, Rare Earths Norway found a rare-earth oxide deposit of 8.8 million metric tons in [[Telemark]], Norway, making it Europe's largest known rare-earth element deposit. The mining firm predicted that it would finish developing the first stage of mining in 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meredith |first=Sam |date=2024-06-11 |title=Norway discovers Europe's largest deposit of rare earth metals |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/11/norway-discovers-europes-largest-deposit-of-rare-earth-metals.html |access-date=2024-06-12 |website=CNBC |language=en}}</ref>

[[Ukraine]] holds significant rare earth deposits, which have been at the center of the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine|Russian invasion of the country]] and peace negotiations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The future of critical raw materials in Ukraine and the world |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/07/the-future-of-critical-raw-materials-how-ukraine-plays-a-strategic-role-in-global-supply-chains/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250308143300/https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/07/the-future-of-critical-raw-materials-how-ukraine-plays-a-strategic-role-in-global-supply-chains/ |archive-date=2025-03-08 |access-date=2025-03-18 |website=World Economic Forum |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=UKRAINE: Mining Investment Opportunities Critical Raw Materials |url=https://www.geo.gov.ua/wp-content/uploads/presentations/en/investment-opportunities-in-exploration-production-strategic-and-critical-minerals.pdf |publisher=Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine}}</ref>

====Malaysian refining plans====
In early 2011, Australian mining company [[Lynas]] was reported to be "hurrying to finish" a US$230 million rare-earth refinery on the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia's industrial port of [[Kuantan]]. The plant would refine ore&nbsp;— lanthanides concentrate from the [[Mount Weld]] mine in Australia. The ore would be trucked to [[Fremantle]] and transported by [[container ship]] to Kuantan. Within two years, Lynas was said to expect the refinery to be able to meet nearly a third of the world's demand for rare-earth materials, not counting [[China]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Bradsher |first=Keith |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/energy-environment/09rare.html?ref=science |title=Taking a Risk for Rare Earths |work=The New York Times |date=March 8, 2011 |others=(March 9, 2011 p. B1 NY ed.) |access-date=2011-03-09 |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615115941/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/energy-environment/09rare.html?ref=science |url-status=live}}</ref> The Kuantan development brought renewed attention to the Malaysian town of [[Bukit Merah, Perak#District of Kinta, Central Perak|Bukit Merah]] in [[Perak]], where a rare-earth mine operated by a [[Mitsubishi Chemical Holdings|Mitsubishi Chemical]] subsidiary, Asian Rare Earth, closed in 1994 and left [[#Environmental considerations|continuing environmental and health concerns]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://pengguna.org.my/index.php/pembangunan/alam-sekitar/768-kronologi-peristiwa-di-kilang-nadir-bumi-bukit-merah |title=Kronologi Peristiwa di Kilang Nadir Bumi, Bukit Merah |trans-title=Chronology of Events at the Rare Earth Factory, Red Hill |language=ms |publisher=Penang Consumer Association |access-date=26 August 2019 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204084605/https://pengguna.org.my/index.php/pembangunan/alam-sekitar/768-kronologi-peristiwa-di-kilang-nadir-bumi-bukit-merah }}</ref><ref name=NYT01>{{cite news |last=Bradsher |first=Keith |title=Mitsubishi Quietly Cleans Up Its Former Refinery |newspaper=The New York Times |date=8 March 2011 |others=(March 9, 2011 p. B4 NY ed.) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/energy-environment/09rareside.html |access-date=2011-03-09 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229042639/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/business/energy-environment/09rareside.html |archive-date=December 29, 2016}}</ref> 

In mid-2011, after protests, Malaysian government restrictions on the Lynas plant were announced. At that time, citing subscription-only ''[[Dow Jones Newswire]]'' reports, a ''[[Barron's (newspaper)|Barrons]]'' report said the Lynas investment was $730 million, and the projected share of the global market it would fill put at "about a sixth."<ref name="B01">{{cite web |last=Coleman |first=Murray |url=http://blogs.barrons.com/focusonfunds/2011/06/30/rare-earth-metals-etf-soars-as-plans-to-break-chinas-hold-suffer-setback/ |title=Rare Earth ETF Jumps As Plans To Break China's Hold Suffer Setback |work=Barron's |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=2011-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703100420/http://blogs.barrons.com/focusonfunds/2011/06/30/rare-earth-metals-etf-soars-as-plans-to-break-chinas-hold-suffer-setback/ |archive-date=2011-07-03}}</ref> An independent review initiated by the Malaysian Government, and conducted by the [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) in 2011 to address concerns of radioactive hazards, found no non-compliance with international radiation safety standards.<ref>{{cite conference |title=Report of the International Review Mission on the Radiation Safety Aspects of a Proposed Rare Earths Processing Facility (Lynas Project) |conference=(29 May – 3 June 2011) |url=http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/pdf/lynas-report2011.pdf |publisher=International Atomic Energy Agency |access-date=15 February 2018 |archive-date=12 November 2011 |date=2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112121737/http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/pdf/lynas-report2011.pdf}}</ref>

However, the Malaysian authorities confirmed that as of October 2011, Lynas was not given any permit to import any rare-earth ore into Malaysia. In February 2012, the Malaysian AELB (Atomic Energy Licensing Board) recommended that Lynas be issued a temporary operating license subject to meeting a number of conditions. In September 2014, Lynas was issued a 2-year full operating stage license by the AELB.<ref name="MI 20140902">{{cite news |last1=Ng |first1=Eileen |title=Lynas gets full operating licence before TOL expiry date |url=http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/lynas-gets-full-operating-licence-before-tol-expiry-date |newspaper=The [[Malaysian Insider]] |access-date=3 September 2014 |date=2 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904034335/http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/lynas-gets-full-operating-licence-before-tol-expiry-date |archive-date=4 September 2014}}</ref>

In November 2024, [[Minister of Economy (Malaysia)|economy minister]] [[Rafizi Ramli]] said he hoped Malaysia is able to produce rare-earth elements within three years, through discussions with China to provide technology.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporters |first=F. M. T. |date=2024-11-17 |title=Govt targets domestic REE processing within 3 years |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2024/11/17/govt-targets-domestic-ree-processing-within-3-years/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Free Malaysia Today {{!}} FMT |language=en}}</ref> In the past, plans to mine rare-earth elements at [[Kedah]] caused concerns of destroying forest reserves and harming water catchment areas.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporters |first=F. M. T. |date=2020-12-03 |title=Ministry pours cold water on Kedah's rare earth mining plans |url=https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/12/03/no-rare-earth-mining-without-technical-approvals-says-energy-and-natural-resources-ministry/ |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=Free Malaysia Today {{!}} FMT |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Noorazura Abdul |date=2024-10-17 |title=NGO claims logging activities behind Kedah's worsening floods {{!}} New Straits Times |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/1121241/ngo-claims-logging-activities-behind-kedahs-worsening-floods |access-date=2024-11-18 |website=NST Online |language=en}}</ref>