Freeport's New Underground Mine Project to Begin Operations in 2029

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is developing a new underground mine called Kucing Liar, which is expected to commence mining operations by 2029. The project is located within the Grasberg minerals district in Tembagapura, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

President Director of PTFI, Tony Wenas, stated that the company is currently in the development phase of the Kucing Liar mine. Production from the site is anticipated to begin ramping up around 2030, eventually reaching a design capacity of approximately 130,000 metric tonnes of ore per day.

At full capacity, the Kucing Liar mine is projected to produce an average of 750 million pounds of copper and approximately 735,000 ounces of gold annually. This new operation is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining PT Freeport Indonesia’s large-scale production in the Grasberg area over the long term.

As of 30 June 2026, PTFI has invested approximately US$1.4 billion, equivalent to around Rp 25 trillion, in the development of the Kucing Liar project. The company estimates that additional investment of approximately US$4 billion, or around Rp 71.69 trillion, will be required through to 2033.