Freeport's Grasberg Mine to Resume Operations by March/April 2026

Minister Announces Timeline for Resumption

The Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) mine operated by PT Freeport Indonesia, which recently experienced a significant landslide, is targeted to resume operations by March or April 2026. This timeline was announced by Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), during a press statement at the Ministry's office on November 14, 2025.

Safety Evaluations Underway

The Minister emphasized that the decision to reopen the mine will not be taken lightly, as it involves ensuring the safety of workers. "We don't want to be reckless; we must be careful because this involves human lives. We need to check the cause, have it audited by experts, and then implement recommendations before production resumes," Bahlil explained. The evaluation process is currently ongoing, involving a team of experts assessing the situation and determining necessary safety measures.

Partial Operational Resumption

While the area directly affected by the landslide remains closed for operations, other parts of the mine that are not impacted have resumed production. Bahlil clarified that not all areas of the Freeport mine were affected by the incident. "There are areas about 6-7 kilometers away that are operational. We've made assessments and determined that certain sections unrelated to the landslide area can continue operating," he stated.

Previous Operational Halt and Partial Resumption Approval

The Grasberg mine was temporarily shut down following the landslide incident on September 8, 2025. The Ministry of ESDM had previously approved the resumption of operations in two specific blocks - Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) and Big Gossan - though production has not yet commenced in these areas. According to Tri Winarno, Director General of Mineral and Coal at the Ministry of ESDM, the production in these blocks is not expected to be significant.

Conclusion

The planned resumption of operations at the Grasberg mine demonstrates a cautious approach to balancing economic activity with safety concerns. The Indonesian government is prioritizing a thorough investigation and safety measures before allowing full production to restart, reflecting its commitment to protecting workers' lives and ensuring responsible mining practices.