PT Freeport smelters halt operations amid concentrate shortage

By Rikordias Dominius

Copper and gold mining company PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) confirmed that operations at its copper smelters in Gresik, East Java, have come to a halt due to the absence of concentrate supply.

 “At present, smelter operations in Gresik can be considered suspended because there is no concentrate supply,” said PTFI President Director Tony Wenas, speaking to reporters including Petromindo.com on the sidelines of the Indonesia Sustainability Forum 2025 on Saturday (Oct. 11).

Read also: PT Freeport cuts copper output as storage capacity reaches limit

Tony said the company has not yet decided whether to source concentrate from other producers. “We are still considering alternative options gradually. Hopefully, we can resume operations soon, even if not at full capacity, so that we can produce some concentrate to supply our smelters,” he explained.

He further noted that all of PTFI’s mining operations have been suspended since September 8, 2025. “All of our mines have stopped production since September 8,” Tony added.

Tony acknowledged that the company is currently reviewing next year’s production target following a recent fatal landslide incident at the Grasberg mine. “We are still in the evaluation process. Once the investigation and assessment are completed, we will be able to finalize our updated production plans,” Tony concluded.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak