Malaysia States China’s Readiness to Assist in Rare Earth Processing

Malaysia’s Acting Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, YBrs. Johari Abdul Ghani, disclosed on Wednesday that China is willing to provide technical and technological assistance to Malaysia in the field of rare earth processing. He emphasized that any collaboration would be strictly limited to state-owned enterprises from both countries.

According to foreign media reports, Johari stated in a written parliamentary reply on Wednesday that China has expressed its support for Malaysia’s goals in developing its rare earth industry.

“Given the critical importance of technology protection to China, the cooperation will exclusively involve government-linked enterprises from both nations,” he added. He also noted that current discussions are still at a preliminary stage, and no formal agreement has been reached between the two countries.

Johari highlighted that given China’s dominant position in the global rare earth sector—particularly its advanced expertise in rare earth element separation technology—China’s assistance holds significant importance for Malaysia.

Furthermore, Johari mentioned that this cooperation would enhance Malaysia’s international standing in the rare earth industry, making it the only country globally with access to both Chinese and non-Chinese rare earth processing technologies.