Perminas begins rare earth exploration in West Sulawesi
The Indonesian state-owned miner aims to complete resource and reserve estimates in 2027 after drilling and evaluating 200 locations.
Indonesia’s state-owned PT Perusahaan Mineral Nasional (Perminas) is exploring rare earth deposits in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, with drilling under way across 200 hectares, according to its technology and business development director, La Ode Tarfin Jaya.
Speaking at the Minerba Convention & Exhibition on 3 November 2026, Tarfin said the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry issued the exploration licence in July 2026. Approval for the exploration work plan and budget followed in August.
The current programme covers two blocks of 100 hectares each. Drilling has reached 72 locations against a target of 200, with holes spaced 50 by 50 metres apart. Tarfin said the closely spaced drilling would add detail to earlier reconnaissance work by the Geological Agency.
Perminas aims to finish its official resource and reserve estimates in 2027, after completing and evaluating all 200 drilling locations. Its wider rare earth concession in Mamuju spans 7,300 hectares across two blocks, Tarfin said.
The company, which is under BPI Danantara, is also working with PT Timah on research into recovering rare earths from processing residues and tin slag.
