Malaysian MPs seek clarity over Lynas-Pentagon rare earths deal

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian lawmakers have called on Putrajaya to declare its stance on concerns over the country’s rare earth operations being linked to the United States defence industry’s supply chain. This came after Australian miner Lynas, which operates a rare earth processing plant in Pahang, signed a binding letter of intent with the Pentagon in March for a proposed four-year supply deal worth US$96 million (S$124 million). Under the proposed agreement, the Pentagon will purchase light and heavy rare earth oxide products from Lynas to support US national security and supply-chain resilience. Such materials are essential for modern manufacturing…