By P. Chandra Sagaran
The Perak State Government through Menteri Besar Incorporated (Perak) had taken another step as a leader in the country’s mineral industry by establishing Terra Mineral Lab Sdn Bhd (TML) which is equipped with world standards to analyse and verify raw minerals including rare earth elements.
Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad launched the commercial laboratory, the first of its kind in Malaysia together with the Centre Excellence for Mineral Research (CoE) Gopeng Industrial Area on (Oct 3).
The state-of-the-art mineral analysis laboratory is the beginning of a new era in the development of the mineral industry in the country as well as strengthening the state’s position on the global mineral industry map.
Saarani said in his speech at the opening of the TML, it would also act as a catalyst towards a sustainable and inclusive economic development in line with the vision of Pelan Perak Sejahtera 2030.
“TML is in the process of obtaining MS ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the Malaysia Standards Department, as a first step to be recognised as the country’s leading reference laboratory in mineral analysis,” he added.
Saarani pointed out the non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) pilot mining project in Mukim Kenering which generated royalties of RM29.73 million to the state proved the great potential in the industry.
CoE is part of the state’s strategy to enhance responsible mining agenda and to be in the forefront of innovation and mineral research.
Meanwhile MB Inc Chief Executive Officer, Anuar Zainal Abidin said:” the services of TML is not only for Perak but expanded to others like exploration and mining industries, research institutes and other industries nationwide.
“TML is a symbol of commitment by the state government in developing the mineral industry, ” he added.