China–Malaysia in Rare Earths Refinery Talks, With Tech Transfer

China and Malaysia are in early talks on a rare earths refinery talks, with Chinese tech transfer, amid supply and environmental hurdles.
The Lynas Malaysia Advanced Materials Plant. China and Malaysia are in early talks on a rare earths refinery talks, with Chinese tech transfer, amid supply and environmental hurdles. Image via Lynas

China and Malaysia are in early talks on a rare-earth processing project. The potential collaboration could involve Chinese state-linked firms partnering with Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional to build a refinery in Malaysia, according to people familiar with the discussions.

The talks include possible Chinese processing technology being shared in exchange for access to Malaysia’s undeveloped rare-earth deposits.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Edwin Shri Bimo

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
3 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
4 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
5
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors
6
Chinese Cargo Planes Secretly Ferrying Supplies to Iran, Claim Online Sleuths

You Might Like

Malaysia will fast-track a joint Malaysia–China rare earths investment via Khazanah to deepen the rare earths supply chain.

Malaysia to Fast-Track Joint Rare Earths Investment with China: PM

Kuala Lumpur will fast-track and speed up talks on a joint Malaysia-China rare earths investment via Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said today. “During my meeting with ...
Malaysia will fast-track a joint Malaysia–China rare earths investment via Khazanah to deepen the REE supply chain.

China Offers Malaysia Rare Earths Processing Under Conditions

China has opened the door for Malaysia to host what would be its first overseas rare earths processing venture. This was revealed after President Xi Jinping signalled Beijing’s readiness to provide technical assistance, ...
China halts its U.S.-targeted curbs on gallium and germanium until 2026, reopening key chip-metal exports after the Xi–Trump thaw.

China to License Rare-Earth Exports to Screen Security Risks

China’s Commerce Ministry on Sunday says rare-earth export licenses will screen security risks, not halt trade nor impose an export ban. Compliant civilian applications “will get approval,” with a “very limited” supply-chain ...
Thailand’s rare earth deal with the U.S. draws backlash at home, with critics warning it gives Washington first shot and shuts out China.

Thailand Faces Backlash Over U.S. Rare Earth Deal Aimed at China

The U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Sunday signed a rare earths and critical minerals memorandum on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP