Critics of the plant claim it will generate 28,000 tons (the equivalent of 126 Olympic-sized swimming pools) of solid waste containing radioactive by-products annually. Most controversial in the waste cocktail is thorium, a mildly radioactive element that is toxic in large doses and easily spread through wind and water. Exposure to thorium is tied to increased risk of cancer. Although the sprawling plant is located on the Gebeng industrial estate, about 30,000 people live within a 2km radius and 700, 000 reside within 25 km of the refinery.
Arrests at Malaysian Rare Earths Refinery Protests
Locals and activists fear the refinery, operated by an Australian company, will generate radioactive waste.
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