The Indonesian Geological Agency on Monday, May 6, 2024, sealed a collaboration agreement with Eramet Group, a French metallurgical mining company, to conduct a study on critical minerals.

Irwandy Arif, Special Staff to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) for Accelerating Mineral Governance, said that the partnership aims to strengthen the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in Indonesia, emphasizing that the ESDM ministry welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Eramet in Indonesia.

The MoU signing ceremony took place in the presence of Bruno Faour, Director of Eramet Indonesia, and Agung Pribadi, Head of the Center for Mineral Resources of Coal and Geothermal (PSDMBP) at the Geological Agency. The event was also attended by Pauline Leduc, Deputy Head of the Economic Department at the French Embassy in Indonesia.

Irwandy further said that electric vehicles are currently a focal point for the government's energy transition efforts. He emphasized the need for collaboration, including joint studies for development with various stakeholders.

"A joint study on critical minerals, especially regarding the potential reserves of lithium in untapped areas in Indonesia, has never been conducted before," Irwandy said in a media statement on Tuesday.

As stipulated in ESDM Ministerial Decree No. 296.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2023, critical minerals are minerals that are crucial for the national economy and defense security. These critical minerals have the potential for supply disruption and lack suitable substitutes.

"In the end, this study plays a role in understanding Indonesia's potential in the electric vehicle industry supply chain and assisting in developing electric vehicle industry strategies in Indonesia," Irwandy said.

This partnership is a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between France and Indonesia in the field of energy and mineral resources signed in 2011. The partnership includes joint studies on critical minerals in Indonesia, including studies related to lithium resource potential.

Bruno Faour said that collaboration with Indonesia is a crucial step in ensuring the availability of resources to supply the metals needed for the energy transition.

"Eramet will contribute its internationally recognized expertise to the Indonesian government in the field of energy transition metals," Bruno said.

Pauline Leduc expressed support for the partnership, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in promoting sustainable development in Indonesia's mineral sector.

"Indonesia is a strategic partner for France, and this partnership demonstrates the close relationship between the two countries. We hope this partnership can build closer synergy between the private sector and the government, especially in the electric vehicle battery ecosystem," Pauline said.