U.S. Defense Department Signs $96M Rare Earth Deal with Lynas in March, Sparks Malaysia Protests

According to Deutsche Welle, the U.S. Department of Defense and Australian mining company Lynas signed a $96 million rare earth supply agreement in March, triggering protests in Malaysia, where the country's main Gebeng refinery facility is located.

Over 50 Malaysian NGOs and civil activists are urging the government to boycott the deal or obtain guarantees that rare earth materials produced there will not be used in weapons systems. Protesters cite concerns that rare earth exports could indirectly support U.S. weapons supplied to Israel. Malaysia's government must declare its official stance on the agreement by end of July.