USTDA funds critical mineral processing technology project in Indonesia
Jakarta — The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is supporting the implementation of American technology to enhance the processing of critical lithium minerals from geothermal energy operations in Indonesia.
Through a USTDA-funded pilot project, Lilac Solutions, Inc., based in California, will demonstrate its technology at the facility of PT Geo Dipa Energi (GDE), according to a press release from the United States Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March.
GDE Chief Executive Officer Yudistian Yunis stated that USTDA support represents an important step in strengthening Indonesia’s self-sufficiency in meeting lithium requirements whilst deepening strategic collaboration with the United States. He assessed that the initiative can support the development of the national battery industry and other domestic lithium applications through enhanced value addition of renewable resources.
“Lithium is naturally present in geothermal water that has already become part of existing geothermal operations, so we can create economic benefits for local communities whilst maintaining environmental stewardship,” Yunis said.
He added that USTDA support is expected to accelerate access to US innovation and expertise and open opportunities for collaboration with prospective buyers from America. The collaboration is also expected to attract further investment and strengthen the long-term scalability of the project.
According to Yunis, the partnership reflects mutually beneficial cooperation, enhances supply chain resilience, and promotes sustainable resource management.
Meanwhile, USTDA Deputy Director Thomas R. Hardy stated that the facility will be Indonesia’s first in extracting lithium from geothermal brine. He noted that the project will create a reliable lithium supply source whilst supporting modern technology and energy needs in Indonesia.
“American security and prosperity depend on access to critical minerals from trusted sources,” Hardy said. “This project highlights the value of American solutions in building resilient supply chains and promoting responsible resource development with our partners in Indonesia,” he added.
Lilac will implement ion-exchange technology for lithium processing at the Dieng geothermal field in Central Java. The technology aims to demonstrate an effective and responsible method of producing high-quality lithium carbonate.
USTDA support will also connect GDE with prospective lithium carbonate buyers from the United States. The project is expected to attract funding for expansion and open new opportunities for geothermal development in Indonesia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Lilac Chief Executive Officer Raef Sully stated that USTDA support creates opportunities for American technology companies to compete in the global market. “Indonesia’s geothermal fields hold significant, untapped lithium potential, and this project will demonstrate that American ion-exchange technology can optimise it responsibly and at scale,” he said.
USTDA is a United States government initiative that supports infrastructure development in developing countries and promotes the adoption of American technology solutions. USTDA funds the early technical stage of projects to accelerate development and help attract financing and procurement of goods and services from the United States.