The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has confirmed the discovery of a ‘rare treasure’ in the form of lithium as previously claimed by Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Muhammad Wafid, said the lithium deposit is located in Bledug Kuwu, Grobogan, Central Java.
“The lithium deposit (Potential) in Bledug Kuwu is not bad. It can be 1,000 PPM,” Wafid said as quoted by CNBC Indonesia on Thursday.
He added that the agency is continuing to explore these critical minerals, whether they can be developed economically or not.
“If the potential is small, it is then not economical to develop,” said Wafid.
He revealed that there are other Lithium potentials in locations that contain geothermal resources.
“Lithium deposit is identified in Bledug Kuwu. Similar potential is also discovered in regions with geothermal resources like Dieng (Wonosobo) and Patuha in Bandung regency,” he said.
Previously, Luhut announced the discovery of a large amount of lithium reserves in Indonesia. The discovery of this rare element reserves is expected to help Indonesia become the world’s battery producer.
“I just got a report yesterday that a very large lithium source was discovered in Indonesia. But we are also confused because with all these discoveries, the next government will have a lot of homework to do,” said Luhut on Dec. 24, 2023.
Luhut, however, declined to reveal the locations of the lithium reserves in Indonesia.
He only suggested that the discoveries (of lithium deposits) could help solve problems in domestic battery production.
Indonesia has aspired to become the world’s main battery producer, but it cannot rely solely on its nickel reserves as battey requires lithium and other materials as its components. The discovery of lithium has made it closer for Indonesia to achieve its dream.
