This article has been translated by PwC Indonesia as part of our Indonesia Infrastructure News Service. PwC Indonesia has not checked the accuracy of, and accepts no responsibility for the content.
Investor Daily - Operasional perdana Smelter Manyar dipantau FCX
23 May 2025
By Rangga Prakoso
Jakarta, ID – Two senior executives from Freeport McMoran (FCX) visited the Manyar smelter in Gresik, East Java, to witness the start of its operations. Freeport McMoran holds a 49% stake in PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and serves as the operator of the Grasberg mine in Papua. The executives, Chairman of the Board Richard C. Adkerson and President & CEO Kathleen Quirk, were present to oversee the progress.
Their visit coincided with the completion of repairs to the sulphuric acid plant at the Manyar smelter, which were finished one month ahead of schedule. The smelter has now entered its next phase, gradually ramping up production until it reaches full capacity by the end of 2025.
PTFI President Director Tony Wenas stated that Adkerson and Quirk were on-site to ensure the smooth operation of the Manyar smelter, which is expected to begin producing copper cathodes by the fourth week of June. "After the concentrate is introduced, it is processed in the furnace to become copper anodes, then refined through electrorefining to produce copper cathodes," Tony explained in Jakarta on Thursday (22/5/2025).
He further highlighted that the resumption of operations at PTFI’s smelter in mid-May marks a significant achievement, demonstrating the company’s resilience in overcoming challenges and fulfilling its commitment to downstream mineral processing. "Production was initially scheduled to commence in the third week of June, but the repair process was completed ahead of schedule," he noted.
PTFI utilised wide-body cargo aircraft to expedite material shipments from overseas, including Boeing 747s and three Antonov AN-124 flights, transporting over 300 tonnes in total.
Tony added that the company took extensive measures to accelerate the process, deploying around 2,000 workers across two shifts to focus on repairs, procurement, construction, and installation.
"By prioritising safety, we have maximised efforts to ensure the smelter’s commissioning is completed faster and more efficiently. Every stage has been carefully executed to enable the smelter to resume production as soon as possible," he remarked.
The PTFI smelter is now back in operation and entering the ramp-up phase, gradually increasing production from 40% capacity until reaching full output by December 2025.
"The accelerated repair and production of the smelter is a testament to PTFI’s role as a fully integrated mining company, supporting the government’s downstream mineral processing agenda while fulfilling our commitments under the Special Mining Business Licence (IUPK)," he stated.
Tony reaffirmed that the reopening of the PTFI smelter is a strategic move that not only strengthens Indonesia’s industrial self-sufficiency but also enhances its global market position. "As part of the government’s vision for Golden Indonesia 2045, PTFI is committed to continuing its contributions and creating added value for the nation," he added.
Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) Bahlil Lahadalia previously reported that Freeport Indonesia’s management had provided updates on the smelter’s repair progress.
"They informed me that the smelter’s repairs were completed this month. In June, we begin the heating process, though the furnace requires two to three weeks before concentrate processing can commence in early June," Bahlil stated in Tangerang on Wednesday (21/5/2025).
The Manyar smelter suffered a fire incident during its production ramp-up phase in October 2024, one month after being inaugurated by Indonesia’s seventh President, Joko Widodo. The smelter was initially scheduled to reach full capacity by the end of December 2024, aligning with the government’s policy limiting copper concentrate exports until 31 December 2024.
The fire at the sulphuric acid plant halted smelter operations, as the facility plays a crucial role in the copper concentrate refining process. Consequently, around 1.7 million tonnes of copper concentrate accumulated in storage warehouses.
The government has granted Freeport an export permit for the concentrate until September, providing a six-month window while considering the Manyar smelter’s repair plan. According to the timeline, the ramp-up phase will commence in the fourth week of June 2025, reaching full capacity by December 2025.
