Despite Landslide Mines, Freeport Boss Ensures Cathode And Gold Production Is On Target

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas (Photo: dock. VOI)

JAKARTA - Production of cathodes and gold is confirmed to remain on target even though the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) mine in Mimika, Central Papua, was hit by landslides. This was confirmed by the President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, Tony Wenas.

Tony said mining activities were still ongoing from early 2025 to 8 September. The results of the concentrate produced before the landslide can still be processed.

"Oh (the production) didn't go down, please. It's been running until September 8, right, our production is still in line with the target. So, starting September 8, we stopped production, but there are still concentrate which are then processed, used as cathodes, used as gold bullion, still there," Tony said when met by reporters after attending the Indonesia Green Mineral Investment Forum (IGMIF) 2025 event in Jakarta, Thursday, October 2.

Even so, Tony admitted that he did not know exactly how much the total production of gold and cathode was.

"Kani hasn't calculated it yet. But, right, if you look at the process, it's already the 8th month, (it's estimated) that it's two-thirds, yes (production results achieved)," he said.

To note, material landslides occurred in the GBC underground mine on September 8, 2025. Seven workers were victims. Two were found dead, while five others are still being sought.

According to Tony, the search for five workers trapped by landslides at the GBC Mimika underground mine, Central Papua, can be completed in the next 4-5 days.

He said that at this time his party had begun to enter an area believed to be the location for the trapped five Freeport workers.

"We've been trying to get into the area where we suspect the other five employees are still there. Maybe it's getting closer. Hopefully in 4-5 days we will be able to enter the location they are suspected to be," he said.

Freeport's production since September 8 until now is still stalled. The company is now focusing on saving the five workers who are missing.