The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KesDM) Approves Freeport's Resumption of Mining in Big Goosan and DMLZ Following the Landslide at GBC.

Freeport Mine (Photo: dock. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has granted PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) permission to resume mining activities in the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) and Big Gossan.

The closure of these two mines was due to the landslide in the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mine, resulting in the temporary suspension of mining operations.

The Director General of Minerals and Coal (Minerba) at ESDM, Tri Winarno, confirmed that permission to resume operations had been granted, but had not yet begun due to ongoing preparations.

"Permission has been granted for DMLZ and Big Gossan, but production has not yet begun," Tri said, as quoted on Friday, November 14.

Tri stated that these two mines can produce 600,000 tons of tin ore per year, or 30 percent of PTFI's total production.

Production from these two mines is planned to be shipped to Freeport's smelter in Gresik. Just so you know, refining activities at the PTFI Manyar smelter have also been temporarily halted due to a lack of copper concentrate supplies.

"Yes, it's being supplied to the Manyar smelter, due to a supply shortage," Tri confirmed.

Previously, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Bahlil Lahadalia, revealed that he had communicated with the President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, Tony Wenas, regarding the appropriate timing for the resumption of mining production.

Bahlil stated that the underground mine repair process would begin next month. However, it will begin with a comprehensive audit to prevent a similar incident from happening again in the future.

"We can start production, but I say we'll conduct a comprehensive audit first. God willing, there will be signs of improvement next month," Bahlil concluded.

Previously, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) revealed that operations at the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mine would only return to normal in 2027. This was due to the impact of the landslide incident that occurred on September 8, 2025.