Malaysia to allow exports of processed rare earths: minister

Shipments of raw materials will still be banned as country aims to grow industry

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The country in September said it would ban exports of rare earths, but the policy now appears to be changing to allow the export of minerals that have been processed in Malaysia. (Pool via Reuters)

NORMAN GOH, Nikkei staff writer

October 24, 2023 20:14 JST

KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's plan to control rare earth exports will apply to raw materials and not to processed rare earths, according to its science, technology and innovation minister.

"We are banning the export [of raw rare earth materials]. We [do not] allow [exports] of the raw material," Minister Chang Lih Kang said at a press conference. "Exports of processed rare earth are allowed."