Jakarta –
The Mineral Industry Agency (BIM) revealed that 8 mineral blocks have large potential for rare earth metal content. These eight world-wanted treasure blocks are spread across Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
Head of BIM Brian Yuliarto said that the eight blocks were the main source of rare earth metals, not just by-products of other mines. Even so, Brian revealed that there will be several locations that are considered to have the opportunity to receive additional support from by-products in the next development stage.
“There are 8 blocks that we consider to have enormous potential. These are all Primary Resources. So they are not by-product resources. But we see that at some point they will be supported by by-products,” said Brian in a working meeting with Commission XII DPR RI, Monday (9/2/2026).
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Brian said that his party was currently carrying out intensive research on the entire block. Later, the results of the study will be coordinated with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) in the form of recommendations so that management can be worked on by Perminas.
“So that the management of this IUP can be given to State-Owned Enterprises as requested by the President, that because rare earth is a strategic industry, it is encouraged that its control be carried out by business entities under BUMN,” he said.
The following are 8 blocks that have the potential to contain rare earth metals:
Toboali Block (Bangka Belitung): Stores Tungsten (~8,287 ppm), REE (2,391 ppm), and Tantalum in an area of ~10,000 ha.
Keposang Block (Bangka Belitung): Contains Rare Earth Elements with a total of ~1,000 ppm in an area of ~5,000 ha.
Mentikus Block (Bangka Belitung): Contains Sn 23,400 ppm and Tungsten 9,000 ppm in an area of 200 ha.
Batubesi Block (Bangka Belitung): Contains Sn 5,000 ppm and Tungsten 2,500 ppm on an area of 500 ha.
Melawi Block (West Kalimantan): Massive potential for Rare Earth Elements (total ~81,720 ppm) on an area of ~54,000 ha.
Boyan Hulu Block (West Kalimantan): Main target for Antimony (~70-95%) in an area of ~8,492 ha.
Mamuju Block (West Sulawesi): Rare Earth Elements Content (~2,000 ppm) in an area of ~23,000 ha.
Bombana Block (Southeast Sulawesi): Has REE (220 ppm) and Antimony (~6,170 ppm) on an area of ~64,000 ha.
(hrp/hns)
date:2026-02-09 13:57:00