Jakarta, IO – Natural resources in the form of rare earth elements (REE) are said to be one of the ‘super treasures’ that Indonesia has, with reserves estimated to reach 300,000 tons.
Association of Indonesian Geologists (IAGI) deputy chairman Yoseph C.A Swamidharma said that Indonesia is one of the countries that holds the largest REE potential in the world, per CNBC Indonesia, Monday (18/9).
China currently holds the largest REE reserves (up to 44 million tons), followed by Brazil and Russia (estimated 20 million tons) and Australia (5 million tons).
Nevertheless, Yoseph is optimistic that Indonesia’s reserves could exceed 300,000 tons. Moreover, exploration activities carried out in Indonesia are not yet comprehensive.
Based on data from the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry in 2015, Indonesia has REE potential of up to 1.5 billion tons.
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REE are crucial raw materials in the manufacturing of advanced technology components such as batteries, new renewable energy (EBT) power plants, defense equipment and electric vehicles.
Potential sources of REE in Indonesia are believed to be scattered across the islands of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. (un)