RI And UK Sign Critical Mineral Cooperation Agreement

British Minister of Development Anneliese Dodds (left). (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government through the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia and the British Government have agreed on strategic cooperation in the field of critical minerals.

Bahlil and British Development Minister Anneliese Dodds representing the UK's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commonwealth and Development, signed a memorandum of understanding or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Strategic Partnership for Critical Mineral Affairs.

Bahlil said that in this MoU Indonesia and the UK agreed to an agreement to exchange technology, as well as expertise in sustainable critical minerals. This MoU will be the foundation for further cooperation.

"This is an agreement between the Indonesian government and Britain, the substance of which is that we will exchange cooperation technology in the mineral field, this is part of the follow-up to what has been the agreement between the two countries. The Minister and I have signed a residence, we will carry out the follow-up," said Bahlil, quoted Thursday, September 19.

Dodds said that this MoU is important for the cooperation relations between the two countries that have been strong and renewed through this collaboration.

"I am very happy, as the new government in the UK, that we have completed this MoU, so that we can jointly ensure the potential of green growth, job potential, and positive potential for the local community. It is fun to be able to work together with the Government of Indonesia," he said.

Dodds also said that this MoU created a framework for cooperation and collaboration between Britain and Indonesia regarding critical minerals. This MoU supports various issues, joint commitments, investments, job creation, and to ensure benefits for the community.

The MoU between the Government of Indonesia and the UK has a cooperation area, including: mineral resources, geologies, mining, processing, manufacturing, recycling, modern mining technology, post-mining, and environmental rehabilitation.

The purpose of this MoU is to build a framework for cooperation between Indonesia and the UK in facilitating the division of technical knowledge, suggestions, skills, and expertise on critical minerals that are sustainable, as well as to reduce the potential risks of the environment and social activities related to mining activities.