Called Old Prepares IUPK Extension, Freeport Boss: Still Discussing

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) revealed that the process of extending the Special Mining Business License (IUPK) is still being discussed with the government.

Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia assessed that PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) was slow in preparing requirements for the application for an extension of the post-2041 special mining business permit (IUPK).

"We are still discussing it with the government. We are still discussing everything (with the Ministry of SOEs). Later, hopefully, it will be faster. The sooner the better," said PTFI President Director Tony Wenas when met at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Thursday, August 22.

Regarding the construction of copper refining and processing facilities (smelters) in Fakfak, West Papua, Tony said this was also one of the discussions in the extension of the Freeport IUPK.

"That includes an extension of the IUPK," Tony continued.

Previously, Bahlil Lahadalia said that Freeport's preparation for the IUPK submission was actually almost complete, but Freeport was still slow in preparing a number of conditions proposed by the government.

"The IUPK Freeport is now almost finished, but Freeport seems a bit slow, slow in preparing various conditions that are being negotiated, including negotiations with SOEs that have not been completed. So don't ask the government, ask Freeport too," Bahlil told the media crew when met after the handover of the position of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jakarta, Monday, August 19.

Previously, while still serving as Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil ensured that the extension of PT Freeport Indonesia's special mining business license (IUPK) would be carried out this year, before the new government change.

"We will take care of the extension before the government is over," he said in a Public Lecture at IPDN, quoted from YouTube, Ministry of Investment, Jakarta, Thursday, July 11.

For your information, the permit owned by PT Freeport Indonesia will end in 2041. Later, after the extension of the permit, Freeport Indonesia will get an IUPK for 20 years, namely until 2061.