Australian miner Lynas Corp. had received a pat on the shoulder after the executive branch of government in the Malaysian state of Pahang confirmed its rare earth metals plant pose no harmful effects to the people nor the surrounding environment of Gebeng in Kuantan, Pahang.

Instead, Pahang Menteri Besar Adnan Yaakob blamed the politicking made by the opposition as the cause creating the fears among the local residents of Gebeng against Lynas Corp.'s LAMP advanced materials plant.

"Lynas is not an issue but it is being played up by the opposition, particularly PKR and the DAP, and Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh," the Free Malaysia Today quoted Mr Adnan on Sunday.

Mr Adnan said all pertinent documents and reports on the plant's construction were handed to him, and that he had scrutinized them by the detail, before approving it. The people's fears on its environmental effects were well considered, he added.

The locals in Kuantan where the LAMP advanced materials plant is based oppose the project due to fears of radiation pollution.

He noted Lynas Corp. would not have been given the approval if authorities and other relevant agencies found the project detrimental to public safety and health.

"The (LAMP advanced materials) plant is not harmful as it is built only for processing purposes. The government will not endanger the people's life," he said.

Lynas Corp. has also been accused by the Malaysian government of pre-empting government issuance of the permit to operate by repeatedly announcing premature start dates of the LAMP project.

Lynas Corp. announced in June the $200-million plant would be operational by end 2011.

Read more:

Lynas Corp Close to First Production of Rare Earths