BRIN Reveals “Hidden Treasure” Sources of Rare Earth Elements in Sumatra
Sun 14 Dec 2025, 03:48 AM
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Rare earth elements (REE) have become a coveted “treasure” worldwide because they are essential to modern technology—from electronic devices (phones, TVs, computers) to automotive, defense industries, and components supporting renewable energy.
Currently, up to 90% of the world’s REE supply is dominated by China, creating significant opportunities for other countries, including Indonesia. Early findings from Indonesia’s marine geological surveys indicate the country may contain as much as 4.6 billion cubic meters of REE-bearing minerals.
Widi Astuti, Principal Researcher in Process Metallurgy at BRIN, said that Indonesia’s REE potential is very promising. Primary sources include REEs found as by-products of tin mining, such as monazite in the Bangka Belitung Islands, which contain substantial reserves.
From secondary sources, REEs can be found in electronic-industry waste, residues from nickel and bauxite processing, and coal fly ash.
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