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On 22 April 2011, I announced the Malaysian Government's decision to appoint an independent panel of international experts to review the health and safety aspects of the proposed Rare Earth Processing Facility (the “Lynas Project”) in Gebeng, Pahang.
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For this purpose, we have sought the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna to undertake this task. The IAEA is the internationally recognised body that has the necessary expertise to undertake such an assignment.
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The Director-General of our Atomic Energy Licensing Board, Raja Dato Abdul Aziz Raja Adnan, has been in discussions with the IAEA on behalf of the Malaysian Government for this purpose and I am happy to announce today that in response to the Malaysian Government's request, the IAEA has agreed to appoint an expert team to review the proposed operation at Gebeng. The team comprises professionals from various disciplines. Some are from the IAEA itself while others are experts from IAEA member countries.
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The objectives of the IAEA team's mission will be two-fold:
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To review compliance with relevant International Safety Standards and Good Practices; and
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To provide an independent expert opinion on safety issues, in particular, those relating to radiation safety.
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The scope of this review process will include the following:
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Transportation
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Radiation Protection (occupational, public and environmental)
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Safety Assessment
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Waste Management
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Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation
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The work agenda of the review mission will include open and closed working sessions, presentations by relevant stakeholders, and site visits. Interested parties, including residents and community groups, will have the opportunity to make representations to the panel.
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The expert team will visit Malaysia for 6 working days from 29 May to 3 June. We expect that at least two days will be allocated to receiving representations from the public and stakeholders.
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The expert team selected by IAEA to undertake this review consists of nine persons. The list of panel members and their details is attached to this statement.
All members of the panel are recognised experts in their respective disciplines and have specialist knowledge on issues relating to radiation protection, safety assessment, waste management, transportation, and decommissioning and remedial actions.
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The IAEA has advised that following the appointment of panel members, work on the project has begun. The panel is scheduled to complete its report and submit it to the Government by the end of June.
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In the interest of transparency, the Government will make public the panel's findings and recommendations.
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Pending the completion of this exercise, and a Government decision on the findings and recommendations to be submitted by this panel, the following two conditions will continue to apply:
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There will be no importation into Malaysia of raw materials from Australia.
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No pre-operating licence will be issued to Lynas.
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This is a People 1st Government and we will continue to give the highest priority to safeguarding the health and safety of the people and the environment at all times.
Related links :
- Media Statement : by YB Dato' Sri Mustapa Mohamad, Minister of International Trade and Industry, 22 April 2011
- List of panel members and their details
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
13 May 2011
Last Updated 2015-07-20 17:33:16 by vox vox
