Freeport Smelter Project Ready to Operate by June 2024

FREEPORT-JAKARTA. PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) copper smelter project, located in the JIIPE Area, Gresik, is confirmed to be operational by June 2024.

The Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Arifin Tasrif, during his work visit to the Manyar smelter project on Thursday (29/2), is optimistic that the project can be completed as planned.

“The progress of this smelter construction is according to plan. I appreciate Freeport's sincerity in supporting the downstream mining policy. I am optimistic that the PTFI Smelter can operate in June 2024,” said Arifin to reporters during his visit to the PTFI Smelter, Thursday (29/2).

Arifin said that the construction of this PTFI copper refining plant is part of the government's accelerated downstream mining program. It is an important step towards making Indonesia a developed country.

The Vice President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia, Jenpino Ngabdi, on the same occasion said that the smelter construction is going smoothly and on target.

“The progress of the smelter construction is currently according to plan and ready to operate in June 2024. The PTFI Smelter will start producing in August 2024 and then ramp up to full capacity by the end of December 2024,” said Jenpino.

Read Also: Freeport Indonesia's Gold and Copper Production Increases in 2023

For information, the construction of this smelter is a mandate of the PTFI Special Mining Business Permit (IUPK). The smelter is located in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) JIIPE, Manyar District, Gresik Regency. 

PTFI has invested up to US$ 3.1 billion or equivalent to IDR 48 trillion as of the end of December 2023. This is PTFI's second smelter. The first smelter was built in 1996 and is managed by PT Smelting.

This copper smelter with the world's largest Single Line Design will be able to refine copper concentrate with a production capacity of 1.7 million tons and produce copper cathodes up to 600,000 tons per year. The main products of the smelter are copper cathodes, pure gold and silver bars, and PGM (Platinum Group Metal). By-products include sulfuric acid, gypsum, and lead.

“After the smelter is fully operational at the end of 2024, all PTFI mining results will be refined domestically. This will increase added value and make a significant contribution to state revenue,” concluded Jenpino.