Smelter Operating Faster, Freeport-McMoRan CEO Ensures by Arriving in Gresik
23 May 2025
Gresik, May 22, 2025, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) has successfully accelerated the repair of the smelter so that it operates ahead of schedule. Chairman of the Board of Freeport-McMoRan Richard C. Adkerson and President & CEO of Freeport-McMoRan Kathleen Quirk together with President Director of PTFI Tony Wenas went directly to Gresik to ensure the smooth start of the Smelter operation.
"The arrival of the FCX leadership is to ensure that the PTFI Smelter starts operating properly again after the force majeure incident on October 14, 2024," said Tony. He explained that the smelter is currently operating and will produce copper cathodes in the 4th week of June. "After the concentrate is entered, it is processed in the furnace into copper anodes, then taken to the electrorefinery to become copper cathodes," said Tony.
Tony said that the re-operation of the PTFI Smelter in the third week of May was a very good achievement and is real evidence of the company's resilience in overcoming various challenges and implementing its commitment to downstreaming. "Smelter production was actually going to start in the third week of June. However, in its development, the repair process can be completed faster," said Tony.
PTFI uses wide-bodied cargo planes to speed up the delivery of materials from abroad. Among others, Boeing 747 and three Antonov-AN124 trips with a total of more than 300 tons. Tony added that the company made various maximum efforts including deploying a workforce of around 2,000 people for repairs with a two-shift work scheme and focusing on repairs, procurement, construction and installation.
"By prioritizing safety, we are making maximum efforts to complete the repair and commissioning of the smelter faster and more efficiently. We carry out each stage very carefully and with great calculation so that the smelter can return to production as soon as possible," said Tony.
Currently, the PTFI Smelter has resumed operations and will enter the ramp-up phase, namely a gradual increase in production capacity from 40% to reach full production of 100% in December 2025.
"The acceleration of repair and production of this smelter is real evidence of PTFI as an integrated mining company from upstream to downstream that fully supports the mineral resource downstreaming program set by the government as well as a commitment to the Special Mining Business Permit (IUPK)," he said.
Tony reiterated that the operation of the PTFI Smelter is a strategic step that not only supports the independence of the domestic industry, but also strengthens Indonesia's position in the global market.
"As part of the government's vision towards Indonesia Emas 2045, PTFI is committed to continuing to contribute and provide added value to the nation and state," he said. (Corporate Communications)
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