Freeport Confirms Grasberg Mine Will Return to Full Production by End of 2027
Copper | 2026-05-20 21:59:58
Mining has since resumed in several underground sections, including the Deep Mill Level Zone and Big Gossan deposits.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): PT Freeport Indonesia has reaffirmed that the massive Grasberg mine in Indonesia remains on schedule to return to full production by the end of 2027, despite recovery efforts taking longer than initially projected. The update came from chief executive officer Tony Wenas on Wednesday.
Wenas stated that the company expects the mine to reach full operational capacity in the second half of next year. The mine faced major disruption, including production suspensions, after a deadly underground mudflow in September last year that claimed seven lives.
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Mining has since resumed in several underground sections, including the Deep Mill Level Zone and Big Gossan deposits. Operations at the critical Grasberg Block Cave are gradually ramping up. The excessive moisture in the ore has forced the company to carry out modifications to mining chutes and build necessary additional infrastructure upgrades in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Grasberg is currently operating at 50% capacity. It is expected to reach 65% output later this year. Freeport projects copper cathode production of 800 million pounds and 700,000 ounces of gold in 2026, which will rise further to 1.2 billion pounds and 1 million ounces, respectively, by 2027.
Freeport’s Grasberg mine is one of the world’s largest producers of copper and gold.
POLL
What is the current operational capacity of Grasberg?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Grasberg mine still on track for full production?
Yes, PT Freeport Indonesia confirms full production is expected by the end of 2027.
- What caused the production slowdown at Grasberg?
A deadly underground mudflow in September last year led to suspensions and operational delays.
- What is the current production level?
The mine is currently operating at around 50% capacity and is expected to reach 65% later in 2026.
