7 Workers Trapped in Freeport Underground Mine Landslide, All Confirmed Safe
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — PT Freeport Indonesia has confirmed that seven workers trapped following a landslide of wet material at its Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in Papua are safe, as rescue operations continue.
Vice President of Corporate Communications Freeport Indonesia Katri Krisnati said the incident occurred on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, at around 10:00 p.m. local time. The landslide blocked access to a section of the mine, limiting evacuation routes for the workers.
“The location of the trapped workers has been identified and they are believed to be safe. Crews are working to clear the access routes to ensure a quick and secure evacuation,” Katri told Investortrust on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.
She added that food and other essential supplies were being delivered to the affected workers while evacuation efforts continued. All other personnel in the mining complex have been confirmed safe.
Concentrate from Freeport Indonesia’s mine is loaded onto a vessel at the company’s Portsite facility in Mimika, Central Papua Province. (Agus Salim/ANTARA)
“Mining operations have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the clearing of access routes and the safe evacuation of the seven contract workers,” Katri said.
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia stated that he had received a report from Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas. “I was briefed by Mr. Tony Wenas yesterday, and my team has already gone to the site to conduct inspections,” Bahlil said.
He emphasized that the government is awaiting a detailed report from the inspection team and will continue to monitor developments until the workers are evacuated. “Once the site team completes its assessment, we will provide a full update,” he added.
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