Indonesia Advances Rare Earth Exploration in West Sulawesi
Wed 04 Nov 2026, 14:24 PM
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PT Perusahaan Mineral Nasional (Perminas) has obtained a Mining Business License (IUP) for rare earth elements (REE) exploration from Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM). The exploration permit covers a critical mineral mining area in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, which is divided into two blocks.
Perminas Director of Technology and Business Development La Ode Tarfin Jaya explained that the exploration license was issued in July 2026, followed by the approval of the company's exploration Work Plan and Budget (RKAB) in August 2026. Perminas is currently conducting closely spaced infill drilling activities across a 200-hectare focus area within the concession.
"For Mamuju, we have obtained an Exploration Mining Business License from the government, specifically through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and its Directorate General of Mineral and Coal. The exploration permit was issued in July, followed by the approval of the exploration RKAB in August. Our exploration activities cover approximately two blocks, each spanning 100 hectares, bringing the total to 200 hectares," La Ode said on the sidelines of the Minerba Convention & Exhibition (Convex) 2026 at JIExpo, as quoted on Wednesday (November 4, 2026).
Drilling activities in Mamuju have currently reached 72 drilling points, reportedly representing approximately 10% of the total target of 200 points. The drilling program aims to refine preliminary geological data previously collected by the Geological Agency under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, allowing Perminas to reassess estimates of mineral resources and reserves in the area.
"We are currently conducting closely spaced infill drilling across the 200-hectare area. So far, we have completed approximately 10% of the program, covering 72 drilling points with a spacing of 50 by 50 meters. This is necessary to provide more detailed information based on the work previously carried out by the Geological Agency," he explained.
Although the volume of rare earth reserves in Mamuju has not yet been determined, the area's rare earth mineralization is characterized as an ion-adsorption clay type. According to La Ode, this type is classified as a primary rare earth deposit, similar to deposits found in Bayan Obo, China; Myanmar; and Caldeira, Brazil.
"The rare earth elements in Mamuju are characterized by the ion-adsorption clay type. This is similar to what can be found in Bayan Obo in China, Myanmar, or Caldeira in Brazil. These are classified as primary rare earth deposits," he stated.
The development and management of the 7,300-hectare critical mineral concession in Mamuju are being carried out under a priority assignment from the Indonesian government. Perminas has also expressed its readiness to manage additional concession areas should the government issue further assignments.
"At present, we have 7,300 hectares in Mamuju across two blocks. If the government assigns us additional areas, our team is ready. That is our position. We are simply waiting for further assignments," La Ode concluded.
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