The government has identified 3 Kelantan districts with 2,562,500 tonnes of potential lanthanide deposits worth RM125 billion

The government has identified 3 Kelantan districts with 2,562,500 tonnes of potential lanthanide deposits worth RM125 billion.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Takiyuddin Hassan says the 3 districts are Tanah Merah, Jeli and Gua Musang.

A large amount of non-radioactive lanthanide was found in Aring, Gua Musang, spanning an area of 100,000ha.

In Stong, Batu Melintang, Jeli and Tanah Merah, lanthanide deposits were found in areas covering 80,000ha and 25,000ha respectively.

"So far, the SOP to find lanthanide has been completed and the next process will be carried out after discussions with the state government," Takiyuddin said.

The process includes the preparation of tender and issuance of permits before the mineral can be mined, he added.