Freeport Indonesia resumes operation after halted on Monday

PT Freeport Indonesia which halted its operation on Monday due to sabotage by some of its workers has resumed operation today, operating at half capacity compared to its normal operation, Energy Ministry Darwin Zahedy Saleh told reporters.

?Production was halted (yesterday). Thanks God, the damaged pipe has been repaired,? Darwin, who is speculated to be replaced in the current cabinet reshuffle, said at the press conference.

On Monday, Freeport Indonesia halted its mineral concentrate production after its pipe to deliver mineral ore concentrate to port was cut off as workers demonstration was getting intense.

He said that as much as 5,460 tons of mineral ore concentrate has been processed this morning. The ore came from stock.

As for negotiation with workers, he said his office is not involved. His ministry?s task is to safeguard Freeport facilities and prevent damage to environment. ?The negotiation on workers' salary is being handled by the Ministry for Manpower and Transmigration,? he said.

In a press statement issued today, the energy ministry expresses its optimism that the planned one-month long strike of Freeport workers would be resolved soon. The ministry called on all parties to contribute to find resolution over the dispute. (Josef/giok)