Exploring Rare Earth Materials in Sidoarjo Mud ‘Volcano’

Indonesia's energy and mineral resources (ESDM) Ministry reviews potential reserves of rare earth materials and critical raw materials in Lapindo Mud Volcano, Sidoarjo, East Java. The intensive study follows a preliminary approach by the geological agency in partnership with the mineral and coal research and development center in 2020.

"There are indications of rare earth elements reserves in the area [Lapindo Mud]. Moreover, there are other metals, critical raw materials, which are even larger," Head of the Geological Agency Eko Budi Lelono said on Friday (21/1).

However, Eko refused to disclose the initial assessment results on the potential rare earth elements and critical raw materials in the ex-oil and gas working area under Lapindo Berantas Inc and PT Miarak Lapindo Jaya. "Hopefully [after an intensive study], we can find out how big the potential of rare earth metals in Sidoarjo is," he said.