News Summary: New rules for rare earth plant

By The Associated Press
NEW RESTRICTIONS: Malaysia's government has imposed two new conditions on a rare earth refinery set up by an Australian miner. The government is trying to assuage public fears of radioactive pollution.
REACTION: The head of a coalition opposing the project calls the conditions "flimsy and general in nature."
ABOUT THE MINERALS: Rare earths are 17 minerals used in the manufacture of hybrid cars, cellphones, flat-screen TVs and other tech products. China supplies about 90 percent of what is consumed and has placed restrictions on exports. The plant in Malaysia will be the first rare earth refinery outside China in years.
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