The Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Affirms That The Relaxation Of The Export Of The Copper Concentrat Is Over

Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Dadan Kusdiana. (Photo: Maria Trisnawati/VOI)

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Dadan Kusdiana emphasized that the ban on the export license of copper concentrates will end on December 31, 2024.

"If it runs out, it runs out. Yes, the regulations are now running out," Dadan told the media crew at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Building, Friday, January 3.

Regarding the continuation of the copper export permit requested by PT Freeport Indonesia, Dadan admitted that until now there has been no official submission from PTFI.

For information, previously the President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) Tony Wenas asked the government to relax the export of copper concentrate until 2025.

This follows the burning incident of the PTFI copper smelter in the Gresik JIIPE Special Economic Zone (SEZ), East Java, Monday, October 14, 2024.

"Yes, at least, if the form will be Kepmen or Permen, I have not received (the official submission from Freeport)," continued Dadan.

Regarding Tony Wenas' visit to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Dadan said this might have happened because Tony wanted to consult on the economy.

"Yes, maybe he can talk here and there, convey it because it has something to do with the economy, maybe there. Maybe yes," said Dadan.

Earlier today, Tony Wenas visited the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs (Kemenko Perekonomian).

Tony Wenas' arrival aims to discuss the export license for the copper concentrate which ended on December 31, 2024.

"Yes, this is being discussed (exports of copper concentrate)," said Tony, Friday, January 3.

Moreover, recently the Freepot smelter located in Gresik, East Java experienced a fire that affected the temporary cessation of purification activities.

Meanwhile, Acting Expert Staff for Regulation, Law Enforcement, and Economic Resilience of the Coordinating Ministry for the Economy, Elen Setiadi, said that the meeting with Tony today discussed ramp-up or increased smelter purification capacity, which is currently operationally stalled.

"He said it was still six months away, just finished. The start of the ramp-up. Anyway, semester 1 is over," said Elen.