[SMM Nickel Flash News] Indonesia Reviews REE Policy for Mineral Exports; No Immediate Change to Export Classification

Published: Jul 27, 2026 15:30

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Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) clarified that naturally occurring rare earth elements (REE/LTJ) in processed mineral products do not automatically change their export classification, provided the REE has not been separated or commercially recovered.

During a July 21 cross-ministerial meeting, officials agreed that regulations covering associated REE minerals, including their definition, minimum concentration thresholds, testing methods, and export verification procedures, are still under development. Authorities also acknowledged limited laboratory readiness, with 102 Surveyor Reports (LS) currently pending due to differing interpretations of REE treatment during export verification.

SMM will continue to monitor further policy developments and their potential impact on Indonesia's mineral exports.

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