Indonesian official confirms exports of minerals with rare earth byproducts underway
2026-08-04 11:14:16 [Print]
Indonesia has resumed exports of minerals that may contain rare earth elements as byproducts, a presidential office official said on Monday, following a period of uncertainty over restrictions on rare earth shipments.
Exports of commodities including bauxite, alumina, copper cathodes, and nickel derivatives had been delayed due to a mandatory testing program requiring the screening of rare earth element content.
While Indonesia is a major exporter of minerals, its rare earth production remains limited and is primarily generated as a byproduct of other mining activities. The government had not previously disclosed the extent to which rare earth materials may be present in shipments of other minerals.
The delayed surveyor reports largely pertain to companies exporting alumina, copper cathode, and nickel-based commodities, the official stated.
Dudung also noted that exports of mining products containing radioactive elements may be permitted, provided that the content "is classified as naturally occurring radioactive material" and that the shipments meet all safety testing and regulatory requirements.
The government is scheduled to meet with stakeholders on Monday to discuss concentration limits for various elements, laboratory testing methodologies, verification procedures, and guidelines for the issuance of surveyor reports, he added.
Exports of commodities including bauxite, alumina, copper cathodes, and nickel derivatives had been delayed due to a mandatory testing program requiring the screening of rare earth element content.
While Indonesia is a major exporter of minerals, its rare earth production remains limited and is primarily generated as a byproduct of other mining activities. The government had not previously disclosed the extent to which rare earth materials may be present in shipments of other minerals.
The delayed surveyor reports largely pertain to companies exporting alumina, copper cathode, and nickel-based commodities, the official stated.
Dudung also noted that exports of mining products containing radioactive elements may be permitted, provided that the content "is classified as naturally occurring radioactive material" and that the shipments meet all safety testing and regulatory requirements.
The government is scheduled to meet with stakeholders on Monday to discuss concentration limits for various elements, laboratory testing methodologies, verification procedures, and guidelines for the issuance of surveyor reports, he added.
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