Malaysia Approves Raw Rare Earths Export Under New Rules

Malaysia has approved its first export of unprocessed rare earths under a revised policy aimed at enabling testing and drawing investment into domestic processing capacity, Mining.com.au reported, citing Bloomberg.

The Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia approved a single export application, limited to research and development purposes, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. The ministry did not name the applicant or give details of the shipment.

Moratorium Eased
Quality Over Quantity
Growing Rare Earths Interest

Rare Earths Moratorium Eased

The approval follows new guidelines issued earlier this month that allow conditional exports of raw rare earths, relaxing a moratorium in force since 2024.

Under the updated rules, shipments of raw material may be authorised for research and development or for processing, provided regulatory requirements are met.

Quality Over Quantity

The ministry said the guidelines are open to eligible applicants, including foreign companies, as long as they comply with the relevant regulations.

It added that its priority is the quality of investment, technology transfer and long-term value creation, rather than the number of applications approved.

Growing Rare Earths Interest

Malaysia is home to Lynas Rare Earths, one of only two major producers of processed rare earths outside China.

Local conglomerates, including Berjaya, are exploring projects in the country, while France-based Carester plans to build a separation plant in Perak with Malaco Mining Group. More than a dozen US companies are also reportedly looking at opportunities in the region.

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