SEREMBAN, Nov 14 -  The Negeri Sembilan government is opening an opportunity for any company or private landowner who is interested in developing the non-radioactive rare earth element (NR-REE) industry in the state.

Its Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun said, the main selection criteria is for companies that are capable in the industry.

"So, we look at his ability. We study and look again before we can and we have to be transparent whether or not we have experience but we see who is able to do what project he wants to do, what way he wants to do it between us we evaluate", he said in a press conference after chairing the weekly state executive council (EXCO) meeting at Wisma Negeri here on Wednesday (Nov 13).

He also explained that the period of exploration and study of the area will be given between one and six months.

Earlier, the media reported that the Negeri Sembilan government had approved two areas of 400 hectares to be used as NR - REE mining locations.