Freeport Confirms Two Workers Found Dead in Grasberg Block Cave Landslide, Rescue for Five Others Ongoing
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TEMBAGAPURA, Investortrust.id — Freeport Indonesia’s underground rescue team has confirmed the discovery of two workers on Saturday, Sept 20, 2025, at 08:45 Eastern Indonesia Time, following a wet material slide at the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Mimika, Papua.
Police identified the victims as Irawan, 46, from Cilacap, Central Java, and Wigih Hartono, 37, from Tulungagung, East Java. Both men worked as electricians for PT Cita Contract under the Operation Maintenance Division of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI).
“The bodies were found intact and are undergoing identification by the Forensic Identification Unit (Inavis) of the Mimika Police,” said Mimika Police Chief AKBP Billyandha Hildiario Budiman, quoted by Antara news agency on Saturday. He added that once the autopsy and official procedures were complete, the remains would be flown to their hometowns.
Earlier, Tony Wenas, President Director of PTFI, conveyed condolences. “On behalf of the company and personally, I extend my deepest condolences to the families. Freeport Indonesia will continue to accompany and provide full support for them in this difficult time,” he said.
Rescue teams have continued operating around the clock, deploying all resources despite significant challenges and risks. With the recovery of two bodies, the search remains focused on five other trapped workers.
The landslide occurred late on Monday, Sept 8, 2025, inside the Grasberg Block Cave underground area. A total of seven workers were trapped: five from PT Redpath Indonesia and two from PT Cita Contract.
Authorities and the company emphasized their commitment to health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards, noting that the incident highlights the persistent risks of large-scale underground mining. Investigations into the cause of the wet material slide are expected to proceed in parallel with the rescue operations.
Freeport Indonesia expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by all parties during the emergency and called on the public to continue offering prayers and moral support for the rescue team.