Malaysia Suspends Rare Earth and Tin Mines After River Contamination

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 — Malaysian authorities have suspended operations at a rare-earth mining site and two tin mines in Perak after probes into reports that a stretch of the Perak River turned bright blue. Minister Johari Abdul Ghani told parliament investigators found discharges at the rare-earth site operated by MCRE Resources Sdn Bhd that matched the river's colour, and radiation readings at the site reached 13 becquerels, well above the 1 Bq limit in the project's environmental impact assessment. Officials said the investigation is focusing on the chemicals used in the mining process and whether practices conform to filings and permits. Separate inspections found two tin operators noncompliant on effluent discharge, erosion and sediment control, and chemical management, prompting suspension orders. MCRE's project uses in-situ leaching technology reportedly shared by Chinese firms. Malaysia, with an estimated 16 million tonnes of rare-earth deposits, has been seeking foreign technical partnerships and recently signed cooperation on rare-earth development with the United States. The ministry said the probe is ongoing and the suspensions will remain until compliance and environmental risks are resolved.