The Malaysian government is exploring partnerships with Chinese companies to invest in a rare earth refinery in Malaysia, aiming to bolster its position in the rare earth supply chain. Science, technology and innovation minister Chang Lih Kang said that he would visit China at the end of April to find companies to invest in a rare earth refinery in Malaysia. The move is also aimed at curbing illegal ore exports and maximising economic value from the country's mineral resources, as only one-sixth of the 19,000 tonnes of rare earth oxide was legally exported to China.

Source: Straits Times