Malaysia approves first raw rare earths export under revised rules
The approval covers research and development, while the revised framework also allows conditional exports for processing.
Malaysia has authorised its first shipment of unprocessed rare earths under a revised export framework. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability told Bloomberg that the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia had approved one application for research and development. The applicant’s identity and further details were not disclosed.
The new guidelines ease a moratorium imposed in 2024. They allow raw rare earths to be shipped abroad for either processing or research and development, provided the applicable conditions are met. The framework is intended to enable testing and potentially attract investment in domestic capacity.
According to the ministry, eligible applicants can include foreign companies that meet regulatory requirements. It said investment quality, the transfer of technology and value creation over the long term take precedence over how many applications receive approval.
Malaysia already hosts Australia’s Lynas Rare Earths Ltd, while Berjaya Corp Bhd is among local companies exploring projects. France’s Carester SAS plans a rare-earths separation facility in Perak alongside Malaysia’s Malaco Mining Group. More than a dozen US firms are also examining opportunities in Malaysia.
