Lynas on Monday reported progress on the construction of its rare earths processing plant in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Production is now expected to begin in August, the mining group said in a press release (PDF). Currently, Lynas says it is struggling with some difficulties, such as late delivery of equipment and a shortage of labor needed for construction. The company has already sought additional staff, but this has only partially offset the impact of the shortage, it adds.
In the future, Kalgoorlie will host the rare earth processing steps that have so far been carried out in Malaysia. From 2024, however, these will be prohibited by the Malaysian government due to the slightly radioactive residues produced in the process.
Photo: iStock/Alfio Manciagli
