Indonesian metal exports disrupted by new rare earths and radioactive element checks
2026-07-27 11:40:00 [Print]
Exports of certain metal products from Indonesia are facing delays due to newly implemented checks on rare earth elements and radioactive materials such as uranium, creating supply bottlenecks from the Southeast Asian commodity powerhouse.
According to sources familiar with the matter, several shipments have been held up this month as Indonesian customs authorities demand additional testing for specific critical minerals. The delays have affected exports of alumina-a key feedstock for aluminum production-as well as nickel pig iron, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the issue.
A spokesperson for the customs office clarified that the government has engaged independent surveyors to determine the composition of mineral exports, specifically to detect the presence of rare earth metals. The official emphasized that the government is not arbitrarily suspending or banning exports of mineral commodities such as alumina and nickel, and is committed to ensuring the smooth flow of shipments that have fulfilled all regulatory requirements.
While Indonesia is not a major supplier of rare earths or uranium, both elements can be found in byproducts generated during the processing of its principal metal ores. Tin mining, for instance, produces substantial quantities of monazite---a mineral from which rare earth elements can be extracted.
According to sources familiar with the matter, several shipments have been held up this month as Indonesian customs authorities demand additional testing for specific critical minerals. The delays have affected exports of alumina-a key feedstock for aluminum production-as well as nickel pig iron, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of the issue.
A spokesperson for the customs office clarified that the government has engaged independent surveyors to determine the composition of mineral exports, specifically to detect the presence of rare earth metals. The official emphasized that the government is not arbitrarily suspending or banning exports of mineral commodities such as alumina and nickel, and is committed to ensuring the smooth flow of shipments that have fulfilled all regulatory requirements.
While Indonesia is not a major supplier of rare earths or uranium, both elements can be found in byproducts generated during the processing of its principal metal ores. Tin mining, for instance, produces substantial quantities of monazite---a mineral from which rare earth elements can be extracted.
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