Key facts
- A Malaysian parliamentary committee will hold a hearing on July 16 regarding a rare earths supply deal.
- The deal is valued at $96 million between Australia's Lynas Rare Earths and the U.S. Department of Defense.
- Concerns have been raised by rights groups that the materials could be used for weapons.
- The hearing will include testimonies from Lynas, government officials, and activists.
- The outcomes will shape Malaysia's rare earths policy.
A Malaysian parliamentary committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on July 16 to scrutinize a $96 million rare earths supply agreement between Australian firm Lynas Rare Earths and the U.S. Department of Defense. The deal has drawn protests from rights groups, including Greenpeace and the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, who are concerned that the materials supplied by Lynas, which operates one of the world's largest rare earths processing plants in Malaysia, could be used in weapons, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, has historically supported the Palestinian cause.
Wong Chen, chair of the parliamentary select committee on international relations and trade, stated that the hearing aims to clarify the specifics of the agreement with the Pentagon and ensure compliance with local policies. Testimonies are expected from representatives of Lynas, Malaysian government officials, environmental organizations, and rights activists. The findings and recommendations from the hearing will be submitted to help shape Malaysia's policies regarding its burgeoning domestic rare earths industry.
Wong articulated a conditional stance, expressing support for rare earths utilization in renewable energy but opposition if the materials are intended for weaponry. His remarks followed the submission of a memorandum by approximately 50 protesters outside the parliament building, who advocated for increased transparency and accountability within the rare earths supply chain.