Indonesia Completes World's Largest Copper Smelter, Strengthens Mining Leadership Position

Indonesia has established itself as a global mining leader by building the world's largest copper smelter, recently inaugurated by PT Freeport Indonesia in Gresik, East Java.The smelter is not only the largest of its kind, but also a symbol of Indonesia's seriousness in optimizing its natural resources. The smelter covers an area of 100 hectares and has a capacity of 1.7 million tons of copper concentrate per year. With the world's largest single-line design, the smelter not only produces 600,000 tons of copper cathode per year, but also large quantities of valuable by-products such as gold, silver, sulfuric acid and gypsum. This move is in line with the Indonesian government's strong commitment to implementing the downstream policy initiated by President Joko, and the effort to increase PT Freeport Indonesia's stake from 51% to 61% is also a strategic step towards managing mining assets more independently and optimizing state revenue. The construction of the smelter involves not only physical infrastructure, but also aims to strengthen Indonesia's position as a major player in the global mining industry. By taking better control of its natural resources, Indonesia's revenues are likely to increase significantly, thereby accelerating overall economic growth.

The project has not been without its challenges, and the smelter construction process has been characterized by a variety of circumstances, including a change of location and protests by a number of interested parties. However, the decision to retain Gresik as the site for the smelter construction was considered timely and strategic. With the construction of the world's largest copper smelter, Indonesia has not only demonstrated its technological capabilities but also set new standards in sustainable natural resource management. These initiatives mark the beginning of an era in which Indonesia will not only become a major producer, but also a pioneer in innovation and sustainability in the mining industry.PT Freeport Indonesia's construction of the world's largest copper smelter at Gresik is a historic milestone in Indonesia's efforts to assert its economic sovereignty and optimize the added value of its natural resources. By acquiring additional shares and developing the necessary infrastructure, Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to be a global leader in the mining industry. Indonesia's bright future as a high-income and responsibly managed natural resource country is becoming increasingly evident.