Freeport Gresik Smelters Can Only Start Production In August 2024

Smelter illustration (photo: between)

The second copper smelter belonging to PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) at the Java Integrated Industrial and Ports Estate (JIIPE), Gresik, East Java is targeted to be operational in August 2024.

For your information, the copper smelter belonging to Freeport Indonesia was just inaugurated today. Also present at the inauguration of the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga, and the Minister of Investment/Head of BKPM Bahlil Lahadalia.

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas explained that although it is officially operational, the world's largest single line smelter can only start producing copper cathodes in August 2024.

This smelter can produce copper cathodes, which is estimated to start around August. So for information, we are starting to operate. This will take about 6 to 10 weeks to heat everything up to reach a certain hot spot," he said at the inauguration of the Gresik Smelter operation, quoted from YouTube Freeport Indonesia, Thursday, June 27.

Tony also said the smelter is the largest single line smelter in the world and has a production capacity of up to 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate. Meanwhile, the output of this smelter produces 600,000 to 700,000 copper cathodes.

"It can also be refined here in December, later on, the anode lumput will produce gold and silver as well as several other metals, the amount of gold is approximately 50 to 60 tons, the silver is 220 tons per year," he said.

Previously reported, PTFI President Director Tony Wenas said that the Gresik smelter was successfully completed within five years. Where for 1.5 years it is used for land maturation.

"Alhamdulillah, we can inaugurate the PTFI operation which is quite challenging to complete it," he said at the inauguration of the Gresik Smelter operation, quoted from YouTube Freeport Indonesia, Thursday, June 27.

"We can achieve it, we can adjust it according to schedule and not thanks to the support of all parties," he continued.