GOPENG (Oct 3): The state government, through the Perak Menteri Besar Incorporated (MB Inc), has established a mineral analysis lab — the Terra Mineral Lab (TML) Sdn Bhd, and the Centre of Excellence (COE) for Mineral Research at Persiaran Teknologi Gopeng here, since September 2024.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said that this commercial laboratory, the first of its kind in Malaysia and built at a cost of RM12 million, is not just an ordinary facility; it serves as a landmark of the state government’s commitment to advancing the mineral industry, particularly in the field of non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) mining.

“Equipped with world-class technology, TML can analyse, identify, and verify mineral content, especially NR-REE, with high accuracy.

“TML is currently in the process of obtaining accreditation from the Department of Standards Malaysia, marking the first step towards having it recognised as the country’s leading commercial laboratory in mineral analysis,” he said in a press conference after the opening ceremony of the laboratory here on Thursday.

He said that TML will be run by 15 local experts, including senior chemists, chemists, and assistant chemists. It also collaborates with Darul Ridzuan Institute and prominent local research institutes, such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Sains Malaysia.

“This initiative is a strategic step by the state government in realising the responsible mining agenda under the Perak Sejahtera 2030 Plan. With the existence of TML and the COE (for Mineral Research), Perak is poised to see significant growth in the mineral sector, thereby acting as a catalyst for the progress and well-being of the people,” he said.

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