Freeport President Director Delivers Public Lecture at ITS: Students Have Important Role in Mining Industry Development

14 November 2025

Surabaya, November 14, 2025 – President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia Tony Wenas said that mining will become an important pillar in the development of technology and New and Renewable Energy (EBT), so the younger generation has great potential to contribute to the mining industry in the future.

"The global transition to New and Renewable Energy (EBT) cannot be separated from the existence of mining minerals. Various studies and expert projections show that demand for mining minerals will continue to increase over the next 20 to 30 years, in line with the global transition to clean energy," said Tony during a public lecture at the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) with the theme "Integrated Mining from Upstream to Downstream for a Sustainable Future" at Grha Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

He said that to date there is no material capable of replacing copper as a good and economical electrical conductor. Therefore, responsible and sustainable mine management is very important to support the future of world energy.

Approximately 1,300 students participated in this activity. During the one-hour public lecture, they listened directly to presentations that provided insights into the strategic role of the mining industry, particularly copper, in supporting the energy transition and global technological development.

"Mining products cannot be separated from human life. From the moment we wake up, our daily activities until we go back to sleep, our lives cannot be separated from mining products," said Tony.

The session was interactive with high enthusiasm, evident from the many student questions about the industry, mining technology, and career development in global companies.

At the end of his presentation, students asked Tony to share tips for students to succeed in their careers. "The first is to study diligently, not only from lectures, but also from various sources to broaden your horizons," he said.

Second, to be able to work in international companies, think globally. Act locally but think globally. "I always hold on to four things: work with discipline, focus, honesty, and most importantly, sincerity. Sincerity is the key, because when we work with the right intentions, recognition will come naturally," Tony revealed.

ITS Rector Prof. Bambang Pramujati expressed appreciation for Tony Wenas's presence and PTFI's contribution in promoting the development of national mining Human Resources (HR). He explained that 2025 is the first year of opening the Mining Engineering Study Program at ITS, and student interest in this program is very high.

"ITS has just opened a Mining Engineering Study Program, and even though it's only the first batch, the number of applicants is already extraordinarily high. Mr. Tony's presentation today certainly motivates our students even more to delve into the mining world. We hope that collaboration with industry, especially PTFI, can strengthen the development of human resources and mining technology in Indonesia," said Prof. Bambang.

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About PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI)

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is a mineral mining company affiliated with Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) and Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID). PTFI mines and processes ore to produce copper minerals containing gold and silver.

PTFI markets concentrates worldwide, particularly to domestic copper smelters, PT Smelting. PTFI's mining operations are located in the Grasberg mineral district, Papua, Indonesia. Currently, PTFI operates the world's largest underground block caving mine. In carrying out its operational activities, PTFI prioritizes responsible business practices.

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