Consider This: Rare Earth Mining (Part 1) - Disputes Over Perak Project

A month ago, the Perak state government confirmed it was going ahead with a lanthanide mining project in Hulu Perak. Lanthanides comprise 15 chemical elements, commonly known as rare earth, which are used to make electronics. The project site is said to be within an ecological corridor connecting the Kenderong Forest Reserve and Bintang Hijau Forest Reserve -- part of the Central Forest Spine, which allows wildlife to move from one forest complex to another. It has been classified as a Rank 1 Environmentally Sensitive Area -- identified for conservation and protection. However Perak Menteri Besar Saarani Mohamad has denied the mining project is located in a forest reserve. Melisa Idris and Sharaad Kuttan speak to Howard Lee, Assemblyperson for Pasir Pinji, Perak.