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Malaysians and Australians protest Lynas rare earths processing plans

Protesters rallied outside the Lynas AGM to voice their opposition to the miner’s processing plant. Source: AAP http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/activists-protest-miner-lynas-agm/story-fn3dxiwe-1226520502080  20 Nov 12, PROTESTERS outside the annual general meeting of rare earths miner Lynas in Sydney have vowed to maintain their opposition to the company’s controversial Malaysian plant.

The small band of 19 Malaysians flew to Australia over the weekend to stage Tuesday’s demonstration against the company’s rare earths processing plant currently under construction near Kuantan on the country’s east coast.

Lynas says it is looking to provide the first source of supply outside
of China of rare earths, which are used in a range of products
including iPhones, digital TVs and wind turbines.

But the protesters say leaks from the plant could pollute nearby land
and waterways and endanger livelihoods in fishing communities.

Holding banners reading “Shareholders and investors beware”, the group
chanted “Lynas, Lynas here’s our case: We don’t want your toxic
waste”.

“This plant is going to affect the environment and our health,”
protester Ngkim Poo told AAP.

Mr Poo said the communities had not been properly consulted about the
plant, with many only learning of Lynas’s project through the
international press.

He said the plant had been built on swamp land on the outskirts of
town near large swathes of soy farmland.

“What is the compensation that they are going to pay if it damages our land?”

NSW Greens MP Jamie Parker told the crowd the fight against the plant
would continue.

“Lynas shareholders need to know that the activists will not give up,” he said.

After a drawn-out approval process and several legal challenges from
locals and activists, Lynas’ advanced materials plant has a temporary
operating licence.

The delays to first production have forced Lynas to raise $200 million
by issuing new shares recently, while its share price recently hit an
all-time low of 55 cents, down from $1.165 a year ago.

But Lynas told shareholders on Tuesday it expects production to begin
in December.

November 21, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | AUSTRALIA