Pentagon deal with Australian miner Lynas faces pushback in Malaysia
US efforts to secure rare earth elements via Australian miner Lynas in Malaysia face political resistance from pro-Palestinian supporters.
The United States Department of Defense signed a four-year contract in March with Australian mining firm Lynas to supply 17 rare earth elements. These minerals are critical for manufacturing advanced electronics, electric vehicles, and modern defense technologies.
The agreement forms part of a broader strategy by Washington to construct alternative supply chains for critical raw materials and diminish reliance on China. However, efforts to process and secure these supplies through Lynas operations in Malaysia are encountering opposition from pro-Palestinian activists and supporters within the country.
Sources: LSM