The Process Of Evacuating PTFI Employees Is Constrained By The Weather

JAKARTA - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia revealed the latest news regarding the evacuation process of 7 mining employees trapped in the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mining area.

Bahlil said, until now PTFI is still carrying out the evacuation process, but the weather in Tembagapura is still not possible.

"The weather there is still in a condition that has not been possible because it happened in a grounded area," Bahlil told reporters at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Wednesday, September 17.

Nevertheless, Bahlil said that all mining activities of PT Freeport were temporarily suspended until the evacuation process was complete.

"Everyone is focused on looking for victims. Now it's being done," he added.

He added that a team from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources had also been in Tembagapura with PT Freeport management to oversee the evacuation process for workers trapped in underground mines.

"Pak Tony Wenas (President Director of PTFI) yesterday also communicated with me. And we focus all our strengths on dealing with landslide problems," continued Bahlil.

Previously, Freeport Indonesia's VP of Corporate Communication, Katri Krisnati, explained that rescue teams are working relentlessly to open access to employees' whereabouts with heavy equipment, drills and drones, although they continue to face major challenges and high safety risks.

Katri also said that currently the leadership of Freeport-McMoRan, Chairman of the Board of Directors Richard Adkerson, President and Chief Executive Officer

"They met with employees' families and attended prayers together in various communities in Tembagapura," continued Katri.

In addition, the Head of the Mining Inspector (KaIT) together with the Mining Inspector team from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), along with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and BASARNAS Mimika have reviewed several points where evacuation efforts were carried out.

"We realize that this rescue effort is full of challenges, not easy, and worrying. However, we will not give up and will continue to exert all our efforts. The families of the employees have also been in Tembagapura to receive direct information, support and assistance," said Katri.