PT Freeport continues mining operations despite flash floods

By Godang Sitompul

Petromindo|Thomas

Gold and copper giant PT Freeport Indonesia continued with its mining operations despite flash flood and landslide incidents on Tuesday in Tembagapura, Papua Province, where its mine is located.

?Mining operations remain because the Ridge Camp and area above it have not been affected by the flood,? said PT Freeport Spokesman Riza Pratama on Wednesday to Petromindo.com.

He added that the processing mill will also continue operating for now. ?However, because the concentrates track has been affected by the landslide, the processing (mill) will only operate until the tank is full or the concentrates track is repaired,? he said.

The flashfloods in Tembagapura, following days of heavy rainfall, has damage roads, bridges, and other facilities including some power generating units supplying electricity in the area. One worker at a power plant was reportedly missing.

Riza said that the company has alerted its employees including those who have not been working to avoid travelling the time being.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak