Activists in Malaysia have vowed to blockade Kuantan Port to prevent the import of rare earths headed to the newly opened Lynas refinery. The Australian-owned rare earth manufacturer recently received the go-ahead to begin operations of its new facility - the largest rare earths refinery outside of China - under a temporary operating license. Citing concerns about hazardous waste, activitists have been fighting the facility in court and through protests in both Malaysia and Australia. Rare earths have unique magnetic properties that make them valuable for manufacturing everything from wind turbines and electric vehicles to defence missiles.
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