(AP)—Australian miner Lynas Corp. says it has secured the Malaysian government's approval to fire up a controversial rare earths plant.

The operating license ends months of delays sparked by safety concerns surrounding the Australian company's plans to process rare earths crucial for manufacturing high-tech products.

Lynas said in a statement Wednesday it can now transport rare earths concentrate to Malaysia and potentially start the in October.

Civic groups have staged numerous supporting residents near the 2.5 billion ringgit ($793 million) plant in eastern Malaysia who fear leaks of .

Lynas reiterated Wednesday the plant was "fully compliant with international standards."

The refinery is to be the first in years outside China, which has restrictions on rare earth exports.