3,000 Malaysians protest against rare earth plant 3,000 Malaysians protest against rare earth plant - World environment KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Some 3,000 Malaysians have staged a protest against a rare earth refinery being built by Australian miner Lynas amid fears of radioactive pollution. Sunday's protest marks the largest rally against the plant in eastern Malaysia, and could pose a headache to the government ahead of national elections widely expected this year. Authorities recently approved an operating license for the Lynas plant, which could curtail China's monopoly on the global supply of rare earths for making high-tech goods. Protesters, including opposition lawmakers, vowed to pressure the government to scrap the project. Some shouted "Destroy Lynas" during the two-hour rally in eastern Malaysia. Lynas says its plant is equipped with high-tech pollution controls.