Freeport Smelter Fire In Gresik Has No Impact On Public Health

The atmosphere of PT Freeport Indonesia's smelter in the Gresik Special Economic Zone after the fire that occurred last Monday. (Photo: ANTARA)

PT Freeport Indonesia confirmed that the fire that occurred in the Gresik Special Economic Zone smelter, East Java, Monday, October 14 at 17.45 WIB, had no negative impact on public health and the surrounding environment.

"This incident has not had a negative impact on public health and the surrounding environment," said PT Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas in Gresik, East Java, Tuesday.

The Clean Gas Separation facility itself functions, among others, as a series of processes that clean exhaust gases from harmful substances such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) so that the air removed is free from harmful gas contamination.

The facility also provides clean gas for the conversion process into sulfate acid, preventing corrosion and damage to equipment due to corrosive gases.

"In general, this Clean Gas Separation facility plays an important role in environmentally friendly operations," said Tony.

Tony ensured that the fire, which was located in the Clean Gas Separation Facility, had been completely extinguished and there were no casualties from employees.

Tony explained that PTFI had carried out all stages of commissioning at the beginning of this year, including running several testing stages and having passed the trial and error stages for several months starting in June.

"But this is indeed a disaster. We are reviewing the entire process so that it doesn't happen again in all smelter areas," he said.

Therefore, PTFI will immediately investigate to find out the cause of the fire and the assessment of the damage that occurred after the area was safe to enter.

PTFI will continue to work with Chiyoda as Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contractor to examine everything in detail by involving experts from PTFI, Freeport-McMoRAN, and several consultants.

"My deepest gratitude to the Gresik Regency Government, Surabaya City Government, East Java Provincial Government, all security forces, JIIPE, Gresik Petrokimia, Maspion Industrial Estate, as well as all parties who have helped deal with this fire," Tony said.