Freeport Mine Could Produce 21 Tonnes of Gold This Year

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is targeting gold production from its currently operated mines to reach 700,000 ounces, equivalent to 21 tonnes of gold, in 2026. In addition to gold, the company also aims for copper production to reach 800 million pounds this year.

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas stated that these production plans are being implemented amidst mining operational capacity sitting at 65% of normal levels. He explained that this year’s mining capacity is projected at 124,000 tonnes of ore per day due to operational adjustments following a wet material landslide incident last year.

“If we consider our normal capacity, it is approximately 200,000 tonnes of ore per day. Therefore, for this year, we are still at about 65% of normal capacity. This was caused by the wet material landslide in September last year,” Tony said during a Hearing Meeting (RDP) with Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, as reported on Wednesday (16/09/2026).

Tony revealed that from the total volume of ore processed, the company converts the mine output into gold and copper. The sale of gold products and other supporting commodities is supported by the operations of the Precious Metal Refinery facility.

“If we calculate how much metal will be produced from the mined ore, in 2026 we will be able to produce 800 million pounds of copper and 700,000 ounces of gold. If we convert 700,000 ounces of gold into tonnage, it becomes 21 tonnes of gold in 2026,” he noted.

In addition to gold and copper, PTFI also projects refinery outputs including 103 tonnes of silver bullion, 1.4 million tonnes of sulphuric acid, and 900,000 tonnes of copper slag.

Production by the company is projected to increase gradually alongside the recovery of the Grasberg Block Caving (GBC) mining area. In 2027, mining capacity is targeted to rise to 170,000 tonnes of ore per day with gold production reaching 31 tonnes, before approaching full capacity of approximately 39 to 40 tonnes of gold in 2028.

“This increase in production levels is in line with the recovery of the Grasberg Block Caving, which was affected by the landslide last year,” he concluded.