ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is accelerating its recovery at the Grasberg mining complex in Papua, targeting gold production of 700,000 ounces, equivalent to around 21 tonnes, in 2026, alongside copper output of up to 800 million pounds.
The production target comes as Indonesia strengthens its position in the global critical minerals supply chain, with copper becoming increasingly strategic for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, power networks, and advanced technologies.
Freeport Indonesia’s recovery follows an underground mining disruption at the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) operation in September 2025, which temporarily reduced production capacity.
PTFI President Director Tony Wenas said the company continues to restore operations while maintaining safety and operational stability.
“PTFI is currently operating at around 60% of upstream capacity due to the underground mining incident in September,” Tony Wenas said during a hearing with the Indonesian Parliament’s Commission XII on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Production Set to Rebound Through 2030
Freeport Indonesia produced around 139,000 tonnes of ore per day in 2025. Following the disruption, production in 2026 is expected to reach approximately 124,000 tonnes per day.
The company expects a significant recovery from 2027, with ore production projected to rise to:
– 170,000 tonnes per day in 2027
– 208,000 tonnes per day in 2028
– 226,000 tonnes per day in 2029
Higher production capacity is expected to lift metal output:
– 2027: 1.2 billion pounds of copper and 1 million ounces of gold (around 31 tonnes)
– 2028: 1.6 billion pounds of copper and 1.4 million ounces of gold (around 43 tonnes)
Gresik Smelter Restart Supports Downstream Ambition
Freeport Indonesia also expects its copper smelter in Gresik, East Java, to resume operations in September 2026.
The facility will process copper concentrate from Papua, supporting Indonesia’s strategy to expand domestic refining capacity and capture greater value from mineral resources.
The smelter restart is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s role in the regional copper supply chain while advancing the country’s downstream industrial agenda.
A Strategic Asset in the Energy Transition Era
Copper has become a key mineral in the global energy transition, powering electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and modern electricity networks.
As competition for critical minerals intensifies worldwide, Grasberg’s recovery will remain closely watched by global investors and industrial players.
The rebound of Indonesia’s largest mining operation reflects Jakarta’s broader ambition to transform natural resources into higher-value industries and strengthen its role in the global mineral economy. (AT Network)
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