Freeport Pushes Full Grasberg Mine Restart to Early 2028 After Recovery Delays
Copper | 2026-05-11 05:42:18
The delay also cuts 2026 copper output guidance to 700 million pounds, well below earlier forecasts.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): PT Freeport Indonesia has delayed the full restart of operations at its giant Grasberg mine in Central Papua to early 2028, extending recovery efforts after last year’s deadly underground mudflow that disrupted global copper supplies.
The company had previously targeted a return to full production by the end of 2027, but said additional work on logistics and ore-handling infrastructure at the underground complex has slowed progress. The September 2025 mudflow at Grasberg’s Block Cave mine killed seven workers and forced an immediate shutdown, prompting a force majeure declaration on shipments.
Grasberg is one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines, accounting for nearly 3% of global copper supply. The disruption added pressure to already tight copper markets.
Freeport has adopted a phased recovery strategy, restarting unaffected sections first. The Deep Mill Level Zone and Big Gossan mines resumed operations last year, while parts of the Grasberg Block Cave restarted last month.
Chief executive Tony Wenas said production is currently running at 40% to 50% capacity. Output is now expected to reach 65% in the second half of 2026, 80% by mid-2027, and full production in early 2028.
The delay also cuts 2026 copper output guidance to 700 million pounds, well below earlier forecasts.
POLL
What is the biggest impact of the Grasberg restart delay?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why was the Grasberg restart delayed?
Additional logistics and ore-handling infrastructure repairs following the September 2025 mudflow slowed recovery efforts.
- What is current production capacity?
Production is running at 40%-50% capacity.
- When will full production resume?
Full operations are now expected to restart in early 2028.
