Grasberg mine
The Grasberg mine has one of the largest reserves of gold and copper in the world. It is located in Mimika Regency, Central Papua, Indonesia near Puncak Jaya. It is operated by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI, see below), a joint venture between the government of Indonesia, government of Papua, and American company Freeport-McMoRan (FCX).
Grasberg mine open pit, 2007 | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
Grasberg mine Location in Central Papua Grasberg mine Location in Indonesia Grasberg mine Location in New Guinea | |
| Location | Mimika Regency |
| Province | Central Papua |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Coordinates | 4°3′10″S 137°6′57″E |
| Production | |
| Products | |
| Production |
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| Financial year | 2022 |
| History | |
| Opened | 1972 |
| Owner | |
| Company | PT Freeport Indonesia |
FCX operates under a Contract of Work (CoW) agreement with the government of Indonesia, which allows Freeport to conduct exploration, mining and production activities in a 11,100-hectare (27,400-acre) area (Block A). It also conducts exploration activities in a 167,000 ha (413,000 acres) area (Block B). At 31 December 2022 Grasberg had proven and probable mineral reserves of 30.8 billion pounds (14.0 million tonnes) of copper, 26.3 million ounces (808 tonnes) of gold and 121.3 million ounces (3773 tonnes) of silver. Grasberg has four mining operations: Grasberg Block Cave underground mine, Deep Ore Zone underground mine, Deep Mill Level Zone underground mine, and Big Gossan underground mine. The 2022 production was 711,000 tonnes (1,567,000,000 lb) of copper, 55.9 tonnes (1,798,000 ozt) of gold and 196 tonnes (6,300,000 ozt) of silver. The concentrate is delivered by pipeline to Amamapare.
In August 2017, FCX announced that it will divest its ownership in PTFI so that Indonesia owns 51%. In return the CoW will be replaced by a special license (IUPK) with mining rights to 2041 and FCX will build a new smelter by 2022.