Freeport Underground Mine Remains Halted as Rescue Teams Struggle to Reach Seven Trapped Workers
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — PT Freeport Indonesia has kept production suspended at its Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in Papua as rescue teams continue efforts to free seven workers trapped since a landslide on Monday, Sept 8, 2025. The accident, which involved wet ore material blocking access, has forced the company to halt operations, with officials warning of a potential 30% decline in output.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed on Wednesday, Sept 17, that the government has redirected all resources to the rescue mission. “All of Freeport’s operations are stopped. Every effort is being directed to search for the victims,” Bahlil said in Jakarta. He added that ministry inspectors have been stationed in Tembagapura to oversee the ongoing process.
Bahlil said he has reported the incident directly to President Prabowo Subianto. “Those inside remain trapped, and the search continues under difficult conditions underground,” he said.
Freeport, Government, and Global Leadership on Site
Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas said all available resources were being mobilized, though safety remained the top priority. “This process takes time because we must ensure the area is safe for rescuers. Worker safety is our primary concern,” he stated.
The rescue effort is complicated by the thick layers of wet ore mud. Heavy equipment, drills, and drones are being deployed, while Vice President of Corporate Communication Katri Krisnati noted that supplies are being prepared for the trapped workers.
Senior executives from Freeport-McMoRan, Chairman Richard Adkerson and President & CEO Kathleen Quirk, have also traveled to Papua to monitor the operation alongside Tony Wenas. Teams from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the regional disaster mitigation agency, and the National Search and Rescue Agency have been positioned at key points to assist.
Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Yuliot Tanjung confirmed that the landslide had blocked the mine’s entrance, cutting off evacuation routes. He said coordination was underway with Director General of Minerals and Coal Tri Winarno to deploy additional teams.
Director General of Minerals and Coal at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Tri Winarno in Jakarta. Investortrust/Hendry Kurniawan
Workers Identified, Global Market Impact
Tri Winarno disclosed that the seven trapped workers include five Indonesian nationals, one Chilean, and one South African. The ministry has coordinated with the embassies of Chile and South Africa to provide updates.
The Grasberg mine is among the world’s largest sources of copper and gold, and the prolonged halt has drawn global attention. Tri said output losses were currently limited to Grasberg Block Cave operations, but acknowledged that production could fall by roughly 30%.
“The suspension affects GBC only, but it will cut production by around 30%,” Tri said.
Industry analysts warn that the disruption could ripple through global copper supply chains at a time of rising demand for the metal in energy transition industries.
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