SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan state government has approved two sites, totaling about 400 hectares (1,000 acres), for the mining of non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) soon. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun announced that the standard operating procedures (SOP) for the mining project have been finalised after several revisions.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Aminuddin stated that the locations for the NR-REE mining would be disclosed at a later date, and a local company has been granted exploration rights. He mentioned that the project’s timeline would depend on regulations, SOPs, and coordination with the Land and Mines Office, and emphasized that the value of the resources could not be estimated until after exploration.
Aminuddin also noted that two previous NR-REE mining projects in Kuala Pilah and Jelebu were halted due to SOP violations, resulting in fines for the companies involved. Last year, he indicated that the state government approved the SOP for NR-REE mining, which excludes
protected forests and mandates that all related developments involve a partnership with the state-owned Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI) Negeri Sembilan.
Meanwhile, Aminuddin, who is also the Port Dickson member of parliament, highlighted the economic impact of the West Coast Expressway (WCE) construction from Banting, Selangor, to Gelang Patah, Johor, on Negeri Sembilan. He explained that the WCE will stimulate development along the route, including Port Dickson, by improving access and easing congestion on the North-South Expressway (PLUS).
Aminuddin emphasized the importance of the WCE in alleviating traffic on the existing highway, as congestion frequently occurs from Friday to Sunday. He stated that the WCE will benefit not only Port Dickson residents but also those from Melaka and Johor traveling to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Additionally, he noted the positive impact on Port Dickson’s tourism sector, as improved accessibility will attract both local and international visitors.
During
the tabling of the Budget 2025 on October 18, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Banting-Gelang Patah WCE project will be prioritized next year. Aminuddin also welcomed several initiatives in the budget aimed at benefiting Negeri Sembilan, including plans to increase rice production, upgrade the Bahau-Keratong road, develop the Kuala Sawah Regional Sewerage Treatment Plant, and build a preschool in Palong, Jempol.