Indonesia Jajaki Technology India for Rare Earth Purification and Magnet Industry

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto. (Teddy VOI)

JAKARTA - Indonesia is exploring technology cooperation with India for the purification of rare earths or rare earth metals. The cooperation is also aimed at opening up opportunities for the development of the magnet industry in the country.

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto said that the exploration was carried out with the Indian company, Midwest. Talks also involved Perminas and the National Research and Innovation Agency or BRIN.

"So we are exploring technology for liquefying, separating and purifying rare earths," said Brian at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 7.

Brian said a team from Perminas and BRIN had visited India several times. Talks about rare earth metal purification technology are also underway.

According to Brian, India has the technology to purify rare earths. India also offers technology for the development of the magnet industry.

"India has technologies for rare earth purification and they also offer technology for the development of the magnet industry," said Brian.

Rare earth or rare earth metals are important materials for many modern industries. This material can be used in electronic components, magnets, electric vehicles, energy, to defense technology.

Brian said Indonesia wants to build that ability in the country. Therefore, cooperation with India does not stop at the exchange of knowledge or technology.

"We will certainly build industrial plants in Indonesia," said Brian.

Even so, the form of cooperation is not final. The government is still discussing the most appropriate pattern of cooperation with the Indian side.

"Just how the collaboration is, that's what we're talking about," he said.

This exploration is important because the rare earth downstream is not enough to stop at raw materials. The added value lies in the ability to separate, purify, and process it into industrial products such as magnets.

Brian has not detailed the location of the factory and the pattern of cooperation that will be chosen. He only ensures that the government wants the development of the rare earth and magnet refining industry to be carried out in Indonesia.