Kuala Lumpur, Sunday: The IAEA expert panel investigating the health and safety aspects of the Lynas plant began its work in Malaysia today with a briefing on the project by Malaysian technical officials.

Panel leader, Dr. Tero Varjoranta, said the panel will “review the radiation safety aspects of the facility in relation to relevant international radiation safety standards and good practices.

“The team will provide an independent expert opinion to the Malaysian Government,” he added.

“The mission is technical in nature and has no mandate to, and therefore will not engage in policy type of discussions,” Dr. Varjoranta stressed.

He explained that the work of the panel will be focussed on gathering information and receiving submissions from interested parties and members of the public.

He said that it is the standard practice of IAEA missions such as this to obtain its information in closed door sessions, and not in town hall-type of meetings.

The team is in Malaysia at the invitation of the Malaysian Government. Apart from Dr. Tero, the panel consists of nine professionals of various disciplines from Canada, Finland, India, Italy, the Netherlands, UK, and the Vienna-based IAEA. Four of them are from the IAEA, and the other 5 are consultants from member countries.

While here, the panel will meet with government officials, Lynas staff, residents and other members of the public. They will also visit the project site.

The team will complete its work in Malaysia on June 3 and is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Malaysian Government by the end of June 2011.

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
29 May 2011