"PDF approved" may not completely be correct (yet). There are...

"PDF approved" may not completely be correct (yet). There are still some stones to be rolled away.

Actually the EIA for the PDF is approved - and yes, it's a cornerstone for the further assessment by the AELB.
RIA & EIA are the base for the safety analysis report, the AELB has to approve before the PDF gets operational. Furthermore, the operator needs an official AELB license.

This is more or less clearly described by Dr. Adham Baba (Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation) in this article from Dec 7th 2021:

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/lynas-proposed-permanent-disposal-facility-construction-site-remain-gebeng-%E2%80%94-dr-adham

[...] “In the PDF construction, the RIA and EIA requirements must be met. The RIA report has already been submitted and the EIA (report) will be handed over tomorrow,” he said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat here on Tuesday.
[...] “We have three principles, namely safety, safeguard and security that we have set, and these must be complied with before we allow (PDF construction),” he said.

When replying to a question raised by Wong Tack (PH-Bentong) on responsibility for the PDF in the event of destruction due to natural disasters, Dr Adham said that it would depend on the final safety analysis report, to be conducted out by a consultant, which will be evaluated and approved by AELB before the PDF facility is completed.

“Lynas is fully responsible for the construction of the PDF. Towards this end, Gading Senggara Sdn Bhd has been appointed the contractor for the process of disposing of water leach purification residues produced by the PDF.

“Gading Senggara Sdn Bhd must be licensed by AELB, and any liability that arises involving the PDF, in the event Lynas ceases its operations, will be fully borne by the licensee,” he added.

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