Malaysia mulls easing rare earth export curbs to meet demand
Malaysia is considering lifting its moratorium on the export of unprocessed rare earths to capitalize on global demand. The government aims to balance this with requirements for technology transfers and inbound investments.
Why it matters
As a key player in the rare earth supply chain, Malaysia's policy shifts significantly impact global industries ranging from defense to consumer electronics.
Australian mining firm Lynas' facility in Gebeng. (AFP pic)
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is considering allowing some exports of unprocessed rare earths in order to bolster its position in a supply chain feeding industries from carmaking to defence and consumer goods.
The nation put a moratorium on exports of raw rare earths in 2024 to stimulate more investment in domestic processing - a familiar strategy for resource-rich developing nations. But authorities are now assessing the feasibility of easing the curbs as competition for the minerals heats up, according to a senior government official.
“The pressure is already there, from Malaysian states and investors,” deputy natural resources and environmental sustainability minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh told Bloomberg News in an interview. “They are knocking at the doors already,” he said, referring to interest from the US, Australia, France and India.
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