Indonesian Seas Store 4.6 Billion Cubics of Rare Earth Metals

Illustration (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, through the Center for Marine Geological Survey and Mapping (BBSPGL), the Geological Agency, reported that Indonesia's oceans hold potential volumes of rare earth metals (LTJ) or rare earth elements which are much sought after in the world.

Rare earth metals themselves are the world's favorite along with the increasing use of clean energy and have become the main element in electric and electronic vehicle products.

Head of BBSPGL Hadi Wijaya said, from the results of surveys and mapping as well as data processing carried out by BBSPGL, Hadi revealed that there was a potential of 4.6 billion m3 of heavy minerals carrying rare earth metals, 268.4 million m3 of placer gold, 386.4 million m3 of tin sand. million m3, 22.8 billion m3 of silica sand, and 30 billion m3 of iron sand.

"This is actually a pure result from the Geological Agency and has not been added to the research results of related partners or stakeholders. So this means that there is huge potential for marine minerals in Indonesia," said Hadi in his statement to the media quoted on Tuesday, December 19.

Hadi added, with the great benefits of rare earth metals, BBSPGL is diligent in conducting surveys and mapping and has collected data on existing potentials.

"We have obtained the data, so from the survey throughout Indonesia, we still cover around 10 percent, which means there is still a lot of homework," he continued.

Of this 10 percent, Hadi said, BBSPGL had surveyed and mapped 1,820 samples from 12 commodities in 30 locations in Indonesian waters, where the samples were taken from seabed sediment using geological equipment.

Apart from that, if the samples taken are in seas that are more than 500 meters deep, BBSPGL uses a sophisticated research vessel, namely the Geomarine III, which has a multipurpose vessel, with functions for hydrographic, oceanographic, geological and geophysical mapping.

"Throughout 2023, BBPSGL is conducting surveys using geomarine ships and small boats, it is recorded that we have obtained a survey track of 4,790 KM, or almost 5 round trips from Jakarta to Banyuwangi, this is the longest in the last 5 years," he added.

However, Hadi emphasized that this potential cannot be interpreted as potential in all regions of Indonesia, because as previously stated, the survey carried out only covered 10 percent and had not been supplemented with surveys from stakeholders.