The Prime Minister's Office today released a list of frequently asked questions on Lynas Malaysia's rare earth refinery in Gebeng.

This follows Putrajaya's decision on Aug 15 to extend Lynas' operating licence for six months on three conditions.

The conditions were among the issues outlined in the FAQ, which states that the company must move the cracking and leaching phase of its operations – which produces radioactive water leach purification (WLP) waste – out of the country.

Lynas is also required to source for a location and build a permanent disposal facility, and to end all research into commercialising its WLP waste as Condisoil, a fertiliser for use in agriculture.

Another question addressed in the FAQ is the impact of not extending Lynas' license.

The PMO said this would result in 600 locals losing their jobs, Malaysia's credibility as a business-friendly country for long-term investments being adversely affected, and China monopolising the export of rare earths.

Support for Lynas is split, even within the cabinet, over concerns about its impact on public health and the environment.

Following Putrajaya's extension for Lynas last month, some 500 people staged a protest in Kuantan against the rare earth facility.