At 55 years, Freeport Indonesia pioneering with development and operation of world's biggest block caving Underground mine.

09 April 2022

 

Tembagapura  -– Upon entering the age of 55, PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) celebrated its anniversary with the theme “Dedication to The Nation”. This theme reflects its commitment to give the best from “Our House.” A house built on the values of Safety, Integrity, Commitment, Respect, and Excellence, abbreviated to SINCERE.

Anniversary celebrations were held on Thursday, 7 April at three work locations: Tembagapura, Kuala Kencana and Jakarta. A musical drama recounting the company’s journey was well performed by 75 employees and members of involved communities. Rehearsals for the performance were carried out daily after work, and after school in the case of employees’ children. They were coached by a seasoned choreographer, Agus Noor, and his team. A number of professional entertainers were invited to participate, including Andrea Lee, Sandhy Sondoro, Socha Band, Iyan Yosua, and Sonya Bara.

The celebrations began in the morning with a small concert by Sandhy Sondoro at the Underground Mine, which event set a MURI record for a music performance held at the deepest location ever, at 1,220 meters below ground level. The climax of celebrations followed in the afternoon. 

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas in his address delivered on the occasion of PTFI’s anniversary said PTFI’s arrival in 1967 marked introduction of the first foreign investment made in the new order era. The record of PTFI’s long journey, undergoing various challenges and achievement for more than 5 decades begins with the First Contract of Work to operate the Erstberg Mine, and the spectacular discovery of the ore deposit in Grasberg that led to the Second Contract of Work. A new milestone was set with the Government of Indonesia, with issuance of the IUPK special mining operation permit that replaced the Contract of Work, thereby ensuring continuation of PTFI’s mining operation until 2041. 

The Covid-19 pandemic that befell the world was one of the biggest challenges faced by the company. With stringent health protocols implemented, and thanks to good collaboration with the government, employees, and the public to carry out mitigation and handling of Covid-19, PTFI was able to proceed with safe production to meet its scheduled target, allowing it to continue contributing to the nation and Papua’s economic growth.  As evidenced in the fact that at a time when the national economy was declining as a result of the pandemic in the second semester of 2020, Papua’s economy grew 29% due to the Mining sector. 

“Under the slogan of growing and developing continuously with the people and bolstered by ownership of a 51.2% stake by the Government as represented by Inalum at the time, we engaged in the best synergy, a most concrete exemplification of public-private partnership, such that we are succeeding in processing and managing our mineral resources for a better future. This cannot be dissociated from achievement of production ramp-up to 100%, and increased contributions for the nation and state,” Tony uttered.  

President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo made a virtual appearance to congratulate the PTFI big family on its anniversary. The President voiced his appreciation for all PTFI employees for dedicating their ability to process and manage mineral resources in Indonesia towards offering the greatest benefits for the people’s prosperity, and for contributing to a better future for Indonesia. “PTFI must participate in transforming the nation, accelerating the downstream processing of our mineral products, while maintaining environmental conservation in a sustainable manner such as to provide higher value addition towards increasing the welfare of the Indonesia people,” President Jokowi said. 

Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, BUMN Erick Thohir who also delivered a virtual congratulatory message, similarly, expressed appreciation for PTFI’s role and huge contribution to Indonesia’s economy, in particular in Papua.  For the company’s supporting sustainability, and advancing the welfare of the people of Papua, specifically through developing education for Papua’s youths. “PTFI’s capability in managing its large-scale and high-grade underground mine in the Papua’s mineral district has made it a home for people of excellence across Indonesia. My message to PTFI is that you should maintain your excellent performance,  and continue with the transformation programs and innovations you have conducted, and all PTFI people must safeguard their spirit for togetherness in overcoming challenges and adapting to current business disruptions, in particular in conducting the latest technology in the Mining sector, the first 5G Mining to appear in Southeast Asia, and to continue to play a strategic role as catalyst for Indonesia’s economic growth, towards realizing the goal of a golden Indonesia in  2045,” Erick said.

More words of appreciation were conveyed by President Director Hendi Prio Santoso, who averred PTFI has succeeded in becoming pioneer of the world’s biggest block caving underground mining development and operation, such that it is now a global reference for other mining operations. “PTFI has entered a new stage in strengthening its commitment and dedication to the nation through development of its new domestic smelter, which God willing will be operating in 2024. We send our appreciations, thanks, and great pride for the contribution and role of the PTFI big family, which has become a vital part of MIND ID’s achievement in contribution to the nation and state,” Hendi said.

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