Malaysia’s lead in rare earth elements processing technology will help safeguard its mineral sovereignty even amid trade deals with global powers, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.br br Speaking to the media after attending the XThree Exploration Thorium and Rare Earth Seminar on Monday (Nov 3), Chang said Malaysia must protect its RM809bil in rare earth deposits and strengthen technological independence, noting that China currently dominates the global REE processing sector.br br Meanwhile, Lynas CEO Amanda Lacaze said the company would collaborate with Malaysian academia on REE research and share its findings as part of its operating licence.