Delicate Extraction: Malaysia Offers Rare Earths Alternative to China

Samples of rare earth compounds produced by Australian mining firm Lynas in eastern Malaysia's Gebeng on April 8, 2026. Photo / ARIF KARTONO / AFP
Samples of rare earth compounds produced by Australian mining firm Lynas in eastern Malaysia's Gebeng on April 8, 2026. Photo / ARIF KARTONO / AFP

By Jan HENNOP

As workers load tons of rare earth minerals into bags ready for shipping at a refinery in eastern Malaysia, they are fueling the global pushback against China’s grip on the critical sector.

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