Update Date: 1 August 2026
The Indonesian Government has moved to resolve export delays affecting processed mineral shipments following concerns over Rare Earth Metals (LTJ) and naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM).
Following coordination meetings held on 30-31 July 2026, regulators confirmed that exports of mining products and their derivatives may continue under existing regulations while a broader regulatory review is conducted.
Key Developments
| Topic | Update |
|---|---|
| Export Activity | Exports may continue under current regulations. |
| Surveyor Reports (LS) | Surveyor Reports should continue to be issued normally. |
| LTJ Analysis | No longer mandatory for LS issuance. |
| Existing CoA Available | LS must be issued immediately. |
| Radioactive Elements | Exports permitted if classified as Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). |
| Regulatory Revision | Government targeting completion within one week from 3 August 2026. |
What Has Changed?
Previously, exports of several processed mineral products were delayed because surveyors and exporters were waiting for guidance on:
- Rare Earth Metals (LTJ)
- Uranium content
- Thorium content
- Radioactive materials contained within processed minerals
The government has now clarified that:
Rare Earth Metals and radioactive elements occurring as accompanying elements within mineral products are not considered prohibited export commodities under current regulations.
Impact on Nickel Exports
The clarification is positive for:
| Product | Impact |
|---|---|
| Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) | Positive |
| Ferronickel | Positive |
| Nickel Matte | Positive |
| Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) | Positive |
| Alumina | Positive |
| Bauxite Products | Positive |
Industry participants expect export clearance activity to normalize after delays reported during July 2026.
SUCOFINDO Direction to Surveyors
PT SUCOFINDO has instructed all regional offices to:
- Continue issuing Surveyor Reports (LS)
- Continue inspection and testing activities
- Avoid delaying exports due to LTJ analysis requirements
- Issue LS immediately when required documentation is complete
Under the memorandum:
LTJ Analysis
| Situation | Requirement |
|---|---|
| LTJ CoA already completed | LS issued immediately |
| Normal exports | LTJ analysis not required |
| Customer requests LTJ analysis | Optional service, separate CoA |
| Rock commodities | LTJ testing not required |
Market Implications
Bullish for Indonesian Processed Nickel
The government’s clarification removes a major source of uncertainty that emerged in July.
Potential effects include:
- Reduced export bottlenecks
- Faster shipment clearance
- Lower demurrage costs
- Improved export visibility for smelters
- More stable supply to China’s stainless steel sector
- Improved availability of MHP and matte for EV battery supply chains
Watch Points
The government also confirmed plans to revise:
- Trade Ministry Regulation No. 23/2023
- Trade Ministry Regulation No. 22/2023
- MEMR Regulation No. 25/2018
Draft revisions are expected to be discussed beginning 3 August 2026.
Takeaway
Indonesia has effectively removed the requirement for Rare Earth Metal (LTJ) analysis as a condition for issuing Surveyor Reports, allowing processed mineral exports to continue while formal regulatory revisions are prepared. The decision is expected to ease July’s export bottlenecks and support shipments of NPI, ferronickel, nickel matte, and MHP during August 2026.
Export Statistic Update
Processed Mineral Export Statistics Update
| Item | July 2026 | August 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Export Clearance Status | Delayed during late July due to LTJ / radioactive element reviews. | Expected to normalize following government clarification. |
| Surveyor Reports (LS) | Issuance slowed for certain export cargoes. | LS issuance instructed to continue normally. |
| Nickel Pig Iron (NPI) | Some export cargoes delayed. | Positive; backlog expected to move. |
| Ferronickel | Potential shipment disruptions reported. | Export flows expected to improve. |
| Nickel Matte | Affected by uncertainty over LTJ requirements. | Positive outlook. |
| Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) | Export process impacted by surveyor bottlenecks. | Improving clearance process. |
Source: Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, SUCOFINDO Memorandum No. 1032/MIN-VIII/2026, 1 August 2026.
Processed Nickel Export Flow Indicator
| Week | Status | Export Flow Index |
|---|---|---|
| W27 (29 Jun – 05 Jul) | Normal Operations | 100 |
| W28 (06 Jul – 12 Jul) | Normal Operations | 100 |
| W29 (13 Jul – 19 Jul) | Quota-related restrictions emerging | 95 |
| W30 (20 Jul – 26 Jul) | Regulatory uncertainty increases | 90 |
| W31 (27 Jul – 31 Jul) | Export clearance bottleneck | 70 – 80 |
| W32 (01 Aug onward) | Government clarification issued | 90 – 100 |
Index = Relative export flow estimate. 100 represents normal export activity.
Market Impact
The July 2026 export disruption was primarily administrative rather than operational. Following coordination meetings held on 30-31 July 2026, authorities confirmed that Rare Earth Metals (LTJ), uranium, thorium, and other accompanying elements within processed mining products do not prevent exports under existing regulations. SUCOFINDO has therefore instructed surveyors to continue issuing Surveyor Reports (LS) without requiring LTJ analysis unless specifically requested by customers.
As a result, export flows for Nickel Pig Iron (NPI), Ferronickel, Nickel Matte, and Mixed Hydroxide Precipitate (MHP) are expected to recover during August 2026 as delayed cargoes receive export clearance and shipment backlogs are reduced.
