Vice President Corporate Communications of PT Freeport Indonesia, Katri Krisnati, confirmed the incident. She explained that the landslide was caused by a massive flow of wet material that hit the underground mining area.
“Freeport’s emergency response team was immediately deployed to conduct search and rescue operations. We are coordinating with all related parties to ensure the evacuation process is safe and effective,” Katri said in a statement.
Conditions Inside the Grasberg Underground Mine
The Grasberg Block Cave is one of the world’s largest underground mines. The route to the location is approximately 7 kilometers from the entrance tunnel. According to Freeport’s technical staff, the area is relatively stable as the tunnel walls have been reinforced with concrete.
The mine also has a ventilation system with giant fans installed at every corner to circulate fresh air and remove contaminated air. Adequate lighting is provided by large-capacity generators, while heavy equipment remains on standby inside the tunnel.
“With reinforced concrete walls and a proper ventilation system, the underground mine is generally safe. However, this landslide was unusual as the flow of material split into branches, with some streams even turning downward,” explained a technical officer at the site.
Rescue Efforts Still Underway
As of Friday (September 12, 2025), rescue teams are still working to locate and evacuate the seven trapped workers. Freeport emphasized that employee safety remains the company’s top priority.
“We extend our prayers and deepest sympathy to the families of the affected workers. The evacuation process must be carried out carefully, considering the dynamic geological conditions of the underground mine,” Katri added.
Government Support
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) is also monitoring the situation. The government reaffirmed its full support for the rescue operation and stressed that workplace safety must remain a priority at the Grasberg underground mining site.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of risk management and safety standards in large-scale underground mining operations.
Sumber : KONTAN.CO.ID -
Editor : Redaksi Olemah
Website : www.olemah.com
Diterbitkan : 14 September 2025
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