Natural Combustion Furnace Disrupted, Freeport Smelter in Gresik Operates Again in Late August

JAKARTA - PT Freeport Indonesia reported that the smelter operation of PT Smelting was temporarily stopped since August 8, 2026 for furnace repairs.

For information, PT Smelting's shares are 66 percent owned by PTFI and 34 percent by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation.

President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, Tony Wenas, said based on the initial assessment, the repairs are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.

"PTFI is adjusting the delivery schedule and accelerating preparations for the re-operation of the new smelter which is fully owned and operated by PTFI, which is targeted to be operational again by the end of August 2026, faster than the previous plan in the third quarter," said Tony, quoted Thursday, August 13.

He added that this temporary suspension did not affect Grasberg production. PTFI is evaluating the impact on the time to realize the sales projection that has been previously submitted.

"If there is an impact, it is estimated that it will only be temporary," said Tony.