KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 -- The federal government has rejected Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor's claim that it is deliberately delaying rare earth mining guidelines to hinder the progress of SG4 states.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated that the claim is baseless and had already been addressed publicly in October last year.

He said the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for rare earth element (REE) mining were finalised and sent to all state governments on 20 December 2023.

The SOP includes detailed guidance on technical procedures, environmental compliance, site rehabilitation and export controls.

"The SOP that is being referred to is a comprehensive ...