Freeport halts operations
Wednesday, February 22 2006 - 04:44 AM WIB
Papua copper and gold miner PT. Freeport Indonesia is forced to shut down mining and processing operations after illegal miners who clashed with security forces blocked the miner?s mine road.
?We are forced to close down our mining and processing operations,? the company?s senior official Siddharta Moersjid told Petromindo.Com on Wednesday.
Freeport Indonesia is a subsidiary of US miner Freeport McMoRan Copper& Gold Inc. Freeport Indonesia is one of the world?s largest copper and gold mining complex.
Hundreds of illegal miners were blocking the road after they clashed with security forces and mine guards Tuesday. Siddharta said three Freeport?s employees and one police were injured during the incident.
Freeport produced around 1.4 billion pounds of copper and d 2.8 million ounces of gold in 2005. (godang)