Malaysian Parliament Reviews Lynas-US Rare Earth Deal Amid NGO Opposition

Published: Jul 20, 2026 10:26

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[SMM Rare Earth Flash News] The Special Select Committee on International Trade and International Relations of the Malaysian Parliament held a hearing on July 16 to review the $96 million rare earth supply agreement signed in March this year between Australia's Lynas Rare Earths and the US Department of Defense. 57 non-governmental organizations jointly signed a petition in opposition, expressing concerns that Malaysia's rare earth processing could be linked to foreign military supply chains. The committee recommended that the government formulate a clearer foreign investment policy and urged it to issue an official stance within two weeks. Chairman Wong Kee Chuan stated that if rare earths are used for renewable energy, he supports it, but if used for weapons, he would reject it. The conclusions of the hearing will serve as the basis for formulating the national rare earth policy.

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