By P. Chandra Sagaran
The visit by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim to the Proof of Concept (POC) Central Processing Plant (CPP) and the first Non-Radioactive Rare Earth Element (NR-REE) analysis laboratory in the country, Terra Mineral Lab Sdn Bhd (TML) today (Dec 7) is another historical achievement in the development of NR REE industry in Perak.
The CPP and POC had successfully in the initial stage separated four groups of REE.
They are Lanthanum Cerium (LaCe), Praseodymium Neodymium (PrNd), Samarium Europium Gadolinium (SEG) and Heavy Rare Earth Element (HREE).
Also present was Perak Menteri Besar Dato Seri Saarani Mohamad.
According to a press statement issued by Menteri Besar Incorporated Inc (MB Inc Perak), the isolation goes to show the capability of local technology in separating important REE elements.
TML which operates under the supervision of MB Inc Perak is the first commercial NR-REE analysis laboratory in Malaysia.
It is equipped with world class high technology scientific equipment with capabilities in analysing, identifying and verifying mineral content especially NR-REE.
The laboratory is operated by 15 experts who are trained graduates from local universities, which is a testimony in developing local talent.
Meanwhile Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad in the same statement said the success is the continued commitment by the state government through MB Inc in developing the mineral industry in line with the Pelan Perak Sejahtera 2030.
“The development of NR-REE not only enhances the state’s economy but also opens up job opportunities to locals and also places the state on the global mineral industry map,”he added.
TML offers mineral analysis services to stakeholders not only in Perak but nationwide.
It serves as a data reference base and also a benchmark centre to strengthen as a leader in the NR-REE industry in the country.
The state government with the local expertise will continue to enhance the capabilities of CPP POC to achieve the commercial scale operations.
Saarani when met by reporters later said Sultan Nazrin asked the state of the government to collaborate with the relevant ministries for funding and cooperation.
“My request to the Prime Minister for funds to be allocated to the Mineral and Geoscience Department to carry out exploration works for the state not only NR-REE but also for potential minerals,” he added.
Also present were Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang and MB Inc Perak CEO Datuk Anuar Zainal Abidin.
