[SMM Nickel Flash] FINI: Indonesia Resumes Mineral Exports as REE Testing Delays Begin to Ease
Indonesia's Forum Industri Nikel Indonesia (FINI) said exports of processed mineral products, including nickel and bauxite, have been allowed to resume following a government coordination meeting on July 27 addressing rare earth element (REE) and radioactive element testing requirements. FINI said previous shipment delays were caused by regulatory uncertainties and limited testing capacity. However, as of July 29, around 120 Surveyor Reports (LS) across multiple mining commodities remained pending at several surveyors. FINI urged the government to adopt a phased and proportionate approach to REE-related policies, arguing that the presence of associated REEs in nickel products should not automatically change their export classification, while emphasizing the need to protect the sustainability of Indonesia's downstream nickel industry.