NTB Rich in Critical Mineral Potential for Renewable Energy Development

TRIBUNLOMBOK.COM, MATARAM – West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province boasts significant potential in critical minerals essential for supporting a clean energy transition, green industries, and global sustainable development.

Under the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) No. 296.K/MB.01/MEM.B/2023, the government has identified 47 critical mineral commodities deemed strategic for energy security, national industry, and the sustainable development agenda.

"Several key critical minerals relevant to NTB’s potential include copper, aluminum, nickel, and lithium," said Niken Arumdati, Secretary of the NTB Provincial Energy and Mineral Resources Department, on Friday (Jan 9, 2026).

These minerals are vital components in the development of renewable energy, electric vehicles, battery storage systems, and modern electrical infrastructure.

In NTB, the potential for critical minerals is primarily found in copper, which is currently being developed through ongoing mining and exploration activities. One notable project is PT Sumbawa Timur Mining (STM) in the Hu’u district of Dompu Regency.

This project has a direct link to Canada through its affiliation with Vale Canada Limited and is currently in the exploration phase.

Niken highlighted this potential ahead of the scheduled visit of Canada’s Minister of International Development, Randeep Sarai, to the province.

Baca juga: NTB Kaya Potensi Mineral Kritis untuk Pengembangan Energi Terbarukan

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She emphasized that the NTB Provincial Government views the development of critical minerals not only from an economic perspective but also through the lens of environmental sustainability, downstream processing (hilirisasi), value-added growth, and the implementation of good mining practices.

Accordingly, the visit by the Canadian Minister is expected to strengthen cooperation in sustainable investment, technology transfer, governance enhancement, and human resource capacity building within the critical minerals and clean energy sectors.

Randeep Sarai serves as Canada’s Minister of International Development and also holds the position of Minister of State (International Development).

Canadian Minister Visits West Nusa Tenggara to Forge Strategic Partnerships

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Canada’s Minister of International Development, Randeep Sarai, is scheduled to conduct an official visit to West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) from January 9 to 11, 2026. The visit marks a significant shift in regional diplomacy, moving toward high-level strategic economic cooperation.

Minister Sarai is expected to arrive on Friday, January 9, at 6:00 PM WITA, where he will be honored with a welcoming dinner at the Governor’s Official Residence (Pendopo). The itinerary will proceed with a focal bilateral meeting held at the Bank NTB Syariah headquarters, scheduled for a one-hour intensive discussion.

Governor of NTB, Dr. H. Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, underscored that the province is redefining its international relations. He emphasized that the framework for this cooperation is no longer based on seeking aid, but on building a mutually beneficial "strategic partnership."

"The focus of our discussions will be directed toward SMEs, healthcare, and expanding market access for NTB’s premium products," Governor Iqbal stated. He added that the agenda also covers clean energy, food industry downstreaming, and the development of critical minerals.

A key highlight of the talks will be NTB’s human capital. The Governor pointed out that 70 percent of the province’s workforce is within the productive age group, serving as a primary bargaining chip. NTB aims to secure cooperation in competency certification by bringing in Canadian experts and certification bodies to further elevate the technical skills of local workers, whom he described as highly competitive within Southeast Asia.

Beyond industrial sectors, NTB will showcase its vast potential in tourism and agriculture. The province plans to present data on livestock populations, fishery supplies, and flagship commodities such as corn—a sector that has already garnered specific interest from Canada.

The mining sector remains a cornerstone of the dialogue. Discussions are expected to detail NTB’s substantial reserves of gold, copper, and critical minerals, including mapping out potential sites for future sustainable investment.