Indonesia resumes mineral exports after easing rare earth byproduct restrictions

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Indonesia has resumed exports of minerals containing rare earth element (REE) byproducts, providing relief to exporters of alumina, bauxite, copper cathodes and nickel products after shipment delays caused by mandatory inspections for rare earth content.

The Indonesian government said exports of minerals containing trace amounts of rare earth elements can proceed while it prepares new regulations governing acceptable concentration limits and export procedures. 

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman said the restriction applies only to rare earth elements exported as a primary product and does not automatically extend to trace rare earth content found as byproducts in other mineral exports.

"Exporting rare earth elements as a primary product is indeed prohibited. It does not automatically apply to REE content found as accompanying or byproduct elements in primary and derivative mining products," Dudung said. 

Alumina and bauxite exports among shipments affected

Exports of alumina, bauxite, copper cathodes and nickel derivatives had faced delays following the introduction of mandatory testing for rare earth content and uncertainty over permissible REE levels in exported minerals.

The absence of clear government guidelines also discouraged surveyors from issuing export documentation after authorities launched investigations into mineral shipments suspected of containing rare earth elements.

Dudung said the latest announcement serves as a transitional measure while the government finalises regulations covering concentration thresholds, laboratory testing methods, verification procedures and surveyor reporting requirements.

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Government clears delayed export approvals

The government said PT Sucofindo, which conducts mandatory rare earth testing, will soon issue 85 surveyor reports that had been delayed after identifying trace rare earth content in export shipments.

According to Dudung, more than 100 vessels affected by the delays are now able to resume exports.

The delayed documentation mainly relates to exporters of alumina, copper cathodes and nickel-derived products.

Last week, Indonesia's nickel industry association FINI said around 120 surveyor reports remained pending because of uncertainty surrounding the inspection requirements.

Indonesia continues developing rare earth industry

While easing export procedures for minerals containing rare earth byproducts, Indonesia continues pursuing its long-term strategy to develop a domestic rare earth industry.

The government said exports of mining products containing naturally occurring radioactive materials may also be permitted provided they meet regulatory safety requirements.

President Prabowo Subianto has established a dedicated mineral agency to oversee the country's rare earth development programme. Earlier this year, the agency identified eight mining blocks with significant rare earth potential and plans to conduct further research into processing technologies.

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