PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) continues to push for the construction of a copper cathode smelter project in the Java Integrated and Industrial Port Estate (JIIPE) area in Gresik, East Java.  PTFI Vice President Corporate Communications, Riza Pratama explained, his party supports the Government's downstream policy. It is evident that PTFI is in the process of developing a major investment in the construction of domestic smelting and refining facilities.

"Previously construction activities were limited due to the pandemic, but currently we are making very good progress in completing the project as quickly as possible," he explained to Kontan.co.id, Friday (13/1). Riza said that the copper cathode smelter construction process had reached more than 50% at the end of last year. The smelter construction is targeted to be substantially completed by the end of 2023 with an increase in production in 2024.

"We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to this initiative and will work closely with the government," he stressed. Riza emphasized that it is important for all stakeholders to maintain mining operations while building smelter capacity continues. The production capacity of the smelter that is being built by PTFI in the Special Economic Zone (KEK), JIIPE - Gresik is 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate. This smelter will produce 550,000 tons of copper cathodes per year.

Source: https://industri.kontan.co.id/news/dukung-hilirisasi-freeport-indonesia-pacu-pembangunan-smelter-katoda-tembaga