. >> nexto masia where a new refining plant for rare earth metals has become the target of environmental protests raising questions about its viability. the rare elements are critical to production of many modern technologies. manufacturers have been looking for new supplies in a market currently dominated by china. >> reporter: thousands of malaysians protested on sunday. they called on australian mining firm lynus to suspend construction of a refining plant for rare earth metals. local residents fear that radioactive waste from the facility could harm the environment. >> translator: we're worried that negative effects may emerge after ten or 20 years. we're concerned about the next generation. >> reporter: the factory behind me is the rare earth refinery plant. the construction is more than 90% complete. the malaysian government has already decided to grant an operating license to the australian company, but protesters have filed a complaint. they are asking a court to prevent the refinery from starting operations. rare earth metals are essential for manufacturing mobile phones and mot