Asian Tech Press (Oct 24) -- Malaysia will ban exports of rare earth raw materials and only allow shipments of processed rare earths, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said on Tuesday.

However, Chang did not say when the new rules would take effect.

On the same day, Malaysia said it would allow Australian rare-earth miner Lynas to continue importing raw materials containing naturally occurring radioactive substances until March 2026.

In September this year, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar said the government would formulate a policy of banning exports of rare earth raw materials to avoid exploitation and loss of resources.

In addition to Malaysia, other Asian countries have announced similar restrictions.

Indonesia has banned exports of nickel ore since 2020, as a way to attract foreign investment to the local development of nickel smelters and downstream industries, to improve the added value of the nickel industry.

In June this year, Indonesia also began to ban exports of bauxite ore, and planned to further restrict exports of copper and tin.

The Philippines, another major nickel producer, considered imposing a tax on nickel ore exports in January this year to encourage investment in the country's relevant downstream industries.

The Pangwa region in Kachin State, Myanmar's biggest source of rare earths, has closed its mines since Sept. 4 for inspection.