lamp going out for lynas article, page-69

The claim that W.A will NOT accept Lynas residue/waste back is incorrect. From memory, a Green minister ask the question to the relevant minister at the time, and the response was a general reply regards W.A policy to NOT accept waste processed outside the country. This was NOT a rejection of Lynas residue or waste back but a general response. The claim that W.A minister said they will not accept Lynas waste back was the SPIN from the political opportunist in Malaysia after picking up the original response.

How quickly people forget about the recent PSC report stated from the relevant W.A authority in regards to residue from Lynas Malaysia:

Issue 4: clearly states that it is not a problem for Lynas to return NORM products through the right channels.

Issue 9: clearly indicates that the W.A government
(via MOU) are willing to work with the Malaysian Authorities to resolve the issue of waste from Lynas.

PSC Report: Enquiries on #Lynas project & feedback by the relevant Authorities from Gov of West Australia:
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Issue 4
If there is residue that has been processed outside of Western Australia, for example for Lynas residue, whereby it will be recycled in the form of commercial products such as gravels, tetrapods or other forms, will Western Australia accept this kind of products if the residues contains of activity concentration of thorium or uranium below the statutory limit of Western Australia? What are the circumstances that the Western Australia can accept the residues from Lynas (M) Sdn. Bhd?

Authority
Normally, returning process for this kind of residue must be approved by both houses of Parliament of Western Australia before the waste can be imported back into Western Australia. Nevertheless, the Department of Radiological Council Regulations accepts the NORM residue such as fly-ash, which when mixed with other products must be below the exemption limit of 1 Bq/g for NORM i.e. the activity concentration for natural thorium or natural uranium. In other words, it is not impossible for Western Australia to import back the residue in different form of products such as mixed material which must below the 1 Bq/g. More importantly, it must comply with Western Australia law and regulatory limits.
The answer was provided and confirmed by Mr Duncan Surin, Department of Radiological Council Branch, Western Australia and Mr. Daniel Endacott, Environmental Officer, Minerals Branch, Environmental Division, Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP)
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Issue9
The possibilities of memorandum of understanding (MOU) in the near future and further collaboration between the Atomic Energy Licensing Board (AELB), MOSTI with Government of Western Australia in this kind of activities. Who is the appropriate entity or relevant authority that AELB can engage in this matter when dealing under this cooperation in short and long-term activities.

Authority
Yes, the Government of Western Australia will be very please to engage and collaborate with AELB of Malaysia in the near future since Western Australia did similar MOU with Indian Government before for similar activities. It is possible by seeking the approval of the Federal Government of Malaysia with State Government of Western Australia. Thus, it can be done through Australian High Commission in Malaysia in cooperation with Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Malaysia, with the State Government of Western Australia. Probably at this point of time and in the short-term, DEC is the most appropriate authority to be the focal point to address these matters, so that they can disseminate the inquiry to other relevant authorities in
Western Australia.
On the other hand, the Malaysian authorities through AELB can engage with DEC either to come to Western Authorities to have clarification or endorsement with the relevant authority on the same issues.
The answer was provided and confirmed by Mrs. Sonia Grinceri, Assistant Director, International Trade and Investment, Resources and Industry Development, Department of State Development
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Beware of the fear mongers and political opportunist her to undermine the Co.