DIGIVESTASI - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) revealed the potential for "treasure" in the form of lithium and boron minerals in five locations in Grobogan Regency, Central Java. The five locations are Bledug Kuwu, Bledug Cangkring, Jono, Crewek and Kasonga.

Acting Director of the Geology Department of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Muhammad Wafid said, to support energy transition and green energy development, his office has conducted exploration activities in the area. Based on the survey results, this area has promising lithium and boron content. 

"The Geological Agency is conducting exploration activities for lithium and boron minerals. "The results of our search show that several areas have promising lithium and boron content," Wafid said at a press conference some time ago. 

Wafid explained that his team initially conducted research by extracting brine and salt in the Bledug Kuwu area, Central Java, whose landslide location is similar to Lapindo. From the results of the research, it is known that the Bledug Kuwu area contains minerals in the form of lithium.

"Sampling for lithium analysis is done by taking water from volcanic mud. In addition, water samples are also taken from traditional salt mines. "Salt makers channel the water flowing from the mountain mud and then let it sit for about 2 (two) weeks until it crystallizes into salt," he explained. 

Based on his readings, water flowing from Bledug Kuwu mountain mud has a lithium content of 103 to 111 ppm and boron 464 to 534 ppm. Meanwhile, salt mine wastewater has a lithium content ranging from 1,059 to 1,110 ppm and boron between 2,660 to 2,781 ppm. 

According to Wafid, the concentration of lithium and boron increases significantly after the salt crystallizes, so it can become a new source of lithium and boron. This high lithium level is a recommendation for the next stage of investigation, especially exploration through geophysical and hydrogeological studies. He said: "Its management and utilization are carried out according to the mechanism in accordance with the metal mineral auction in accordance with applicable regulations." 

As is known, lithium itself is one of the raw materials for making electric vehicle batteries, apart from nickel. While the mineral boron is an important component of hydrogen fuel cells, alternative energy for electric vehicles, boron is also a raw material for making neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets and Pyrex raw materials. Demand for boron increased by 30% in 2022 and is expected to increase along with the demand for electric vehicles and the renewable energy industry in the coming years.

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