Malaysia approves raw rare earth shipment under eased export rules
The revised framework allows conditional exports for research, development or processing, with foreign companies also eligible to apply.
Malaysia has authorised its first shipment of unprocessed rare earths under a new export framework, approving one application for research and development, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.
Responding to questions from Bloomberg, the ministry said the Department of Mineral and Geoscience Malaysia had granted permission. It gave no details about the shipment and did not name the applicant.
Guidelines issued earlier in October eased an export moratorium introduced in 2024. They allow raw rare earth shipments for processing or research and development if specified conditions are met. The framework is intended to enable testing and potentially attract investment in domestic capacity.
The ministry said foreign companies could apply, provided they met regulatory requirements. It said investment quality, technology transfer and long-term value mattered more than how many applications received approval.
Malaysia already hosts Australia's Lynas Rare Earths, while domestic conglomerates such as Berjaya are exploring projects. France's Carester plans a separation plant in Perak alongside Malaco Mining Group, and more than a dozen US companies are examining opportunities in Malaysia. The country is among those seeking to build capacity and reduce dependence on China.
