On The 9th Day, Freeport Still Makes Efforts To Evacuate Workers Trapped In Underground Mining Areas

Freeport (Photo: Antara)

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is still carrying out a number of rescue measures for seven workers affected by the incident of wet material slides in the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mining area.

Freeport Indonesia VP Corporate Communication, Katri Krisnati explained, 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.

"The biggest challenge is the volume of wet material that is still active in large quantities, much greater than has ever happened," Katri said in a statement to the media, Wednesday, September 17.

This, he said, made the rescue process very complex, full of risks and needed additional time to clean up the bulk of the material.

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.