PT Timah Begins Rare Earth Element Processing

PT Timah Tbk has begun the process of managing rare earth elements (REE) originating from tin mining activities. This move is part of the company’s efforts to optimise the use of tin production by-products (SHP) that have not been maximally managed until now.

The President Director of PT Timah Tbk, Restu Widiyantoro, stated that the company had not previously been mandated to manage rare earth minerals. However, PT Timah has now started the processing of these strategic minerals.

“To report, previously we were not assigned the task of managing rare earth minerals, but we have now begun the process of managing them,” said Restu during a working meeting with Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), as reported on Thursday (17/09/2026).

He admitted that managing rare earth minerals is not an easy task. Nevertheless, the company remains optimistic about executing the process through its existing resources and support from various parties.

“It is very challenging, but we are confident with the resources available at Timah, and with support from relevant ministries including the DPR, we are certain of our success,” he said.

Restu explained that one of the reasons PT Timah holds a vital position in the development of the rare earth industry is that most of the materials required for processing this commodity are found within tin mining activities.

“Because most of the materials for managing rare earth minerals are present in tin mining,” he added.

He revealed that PT Timah is currently optimising slag, or production by-products, which were previously not managed to their full potential. In this development, the company is collaborating with and receiving support from the Mineral Industry Agency (BIM) and Perminas.

“Perminas holds the mandate to manage rare earth minerals from upstream to downstream. However, in this instance, we are acting directly as the raw material provider for the rare earth mineral industry,” said Restly.