US Ties to Israel Rattle Rare Earth Deal in Malaysia The $96 million rare earth refinery project in Gebeng, Malaysia, has become embroiled in controversy over its ties to the Pentagon and Australia's Lynas mining corporation.
Activists are using the deal as a way to support Palestinians in Gaza, while also highlighting concerns about the use of rare earths in Israeli arms.
Malaysia's government is under pressure from non government groups and locals who want them to block or renegotiate the deal over fears that the rare earths processed in Gebeng could end up in weapons systems.