In the face of US pressure on strategic minerals, rare earth processor Lynas and upcoming rare earth supplier Kelantan pursue plans in the shadow of military use and environmental impacts.

MARCH WAS a busy month for Lynas Rare Earths with a slew of announcements. But the one that caught the eye – and wrath – of Malaysian NGOs was the signing of a letter of intent with the US’ Department of War.

The deal was to supply rare earth products “to support US national security and supply chain resilience objectives”.