16 December 2022
Mining at PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is currently conducted underground. Advanced digital technology is bolstering effectiveness of PTFI’s underground mining operation.
PTFI’s underground mining operation is conducted approximately 1,700 meters below ground surface. Given the high-risk levels entailed, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and workers’ safety. "Current mining techniques may be described as modern and advanced. Given current operational conditions and challenges, we surely employ up-to-date technology in order to mine safely, effectively, efficiently, and sustainably,” Senior Vice President of Underground Mine Henky Rumbino stated.
Overall, the mining method used in PT Freeport Indonesia’s underground mining operation is block caving. This method involves cutting copper ore bodies into large blocks through blasting that causes the ore to collapse by their own gravity. The ore will fall into drawpoints at the extraction level. The collapsed ore in the drawpoints are then transported manually or remotely, depending on the specific condition. The next step is feeding the collapsed ore into ore channels that will drop them to the hauling level. The ore is then hauled in remotely operated cars to a crusher.
The crushed ore is then delivered by means of a conveyor to the mill located on the surface. Fine ore then undergoes a flotation process that uses reagents and alcohol-based substances and lime. This process is aimed at separating concentrates containing the minerals copper, gold and silver. The resulting residue with no economic value (tailings) is transported by a river to the deposition area in the lowlands.
Meanwhile concentrate in the form of slurry is transported from the mill to a dewatering plant located in Amamapare Port by means of a 110 km long pipeline. After undergoing dewatering, the concentrate, which is PTFI’s final product is shipped to smelters, both domestic and foreign. Some of the concentrate shipped to smelters is processed to yield copper cathodes.
PTFI has an unmanned railway operated from a steering room located underground to haul the mined ore to a crusher. A Seismic Activity Monitor System functions to ensure mining safety underground against workers getting into accidents. PTFI applies Advanced Digital Technology in its underground mining operation by means of a remotely controlled WIFI system that was developed in 2006. Application of new 5G technology innovations at the PTFI underground mining area further ensures higher levels of safety through remote control operations. Rock breakers are also remotely operated from the control room to break up rocks that are larger compared with their sieve size.
Mine dust exposure levels indicate a degree of intensity hazardous to workers’ health. As such, these equipment are operated remotely to ensure safety and effectiveness. Before entering an underground mining area, a safety induction is conducted that must be thoroughly understood. Personal protection equipment for the underground mine is distinct from the PPE generally used in mining.
Use of a belt with a SavOx respiratory protection device independently attached and headgear equipped with a headlamp are mandatory. It takes around 30 minutes to cover the distance to the underground mine site aboard a mine bus. At the PT Freeport Indonesia mining site, amenities are available to facilitate mining activity and ensure workers’ wellbeing, Upon arriving at Grasberg Block Cave, a lift is used to transport workers across a height of 355 meters, with a load capacity of 200 to 300 persons.
For safety purposes, the lift may not be used by workers when it is transporting mining supplies and equipment. The lift operator must be fully trained in the use of morse code for communicating. The wellbeing of workers is addressed even in underground locations, with numerous ventilation equipment to supply sufficient oxygen safely to workers. And PT Freeport Indonesia even addresses the spiritual needs of workers by building a mosque and a church in the deepest locations in Indonesia.
Upon completion of the entire mining process, in implementing good mining practices as a responsible mining company, PTFI is required to reclaim impacted areas. And even at a depth of 1,760 meters below ground surface, workers’ safety, tolerance and comfort are well addressed by PT Freeport Indonesia.
Kami menghimbau para pencari kerja untuk berhati-hati dan mewaspadai beragam modus penipuan perekrutan yang mengatasnamakan PT Freeport Indonesia. Dalam setiap proses rekrutmen dan penerimaan karyawan, PT Freeport Indonesia maupun konsultan rekruitmennya tidak memungut biaya apapun.
Untuk melihat lowongan, silakan akses melalui link berikut: ptfi e-recruitment
Untuk melihat informasi magang, silakan akses melalui link berikut: Internship Program
