Freeport Halts Mining Operations After Landslide as Rescue Efforts Continue
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia says rescue operations are ongoing at Freeport Indonesia’s underground Grasberg Block Cave mine in Central Papua after a landslide on Monday, Sept 15, 2025. The government has ordered all mining activity at the site to stop while efforts concentrate on saving workers who remain trapped underground.
“Some people are still trapped inside, and we have yet to receive further information. The search is continuing and remains under close scrutiny,” Bahlil said after briefing President Prabowo Subianto at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has deployed officials to Tembagapura, Mimika, to oversee evacuation efforts. Bahlil confirmed that mining operations at the affected site were suspended to ensure safety. “I have reported to the President, and as of now, the search is still being carried out inside the landslide area,” he added.
The government is coordinating closely with PT Freeport Indonesia, state mining holding MIND ID, and Freeport McMoRan to speed up rescue operations.
All resources shifted to disaster response
Bahlil stressed that Freeport’s facilities and personnel have been redirected entirely toward disaster response. “Mining operations are temporarily halted, all focus is on handling the disaster,” he said.
The minister noted that geotechnical conditions at the site remained unstable, requiring careful progress to protect rescue teams.
PT Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas confirmed that seven workers have been trapped underground since the landslide on Sept 8, 2025. Emergency crews have been using heavy equipment, drills, and drones to open access, but efforts are complicated by wet ore material and disrupted communications.
“This process takes time because we must ensure the area is safe for rescuers. Worker safety remains our top priority,” Tony said.
The incident has drawn significant attention, as the Grasberg Block Cave is one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines. Prolonged disruption could affect Indonesia’s short-term mineral output.
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