Malaysians campaign against rare earth mine

An Australian mining company is facing a backlash in Malaysia over the construction of a plant to refine rare earths.

The plant's main waste contains the radioactive element thorium, linked to birth defects and leukemia, and the people of Kuantan say they don't want it in their town.

Malaysia has experienced a deadly thorium disaster before, which is still being cleaned up.

Lynas Corporation says the waste is safe, and the Malaysian Government has given approval for the plant to go ahead.

The public outcry has now prompted Malaysia to call an inquiry.

But local people are determined to stop the plant, regardless of what the investigation finds.

Gavin Fang reports.

http://australianetwork.com/newsline

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