Freeport says Indonesia's Grasberg mine ramp-up on track after mudslide disruption
FCX•Freeport-McMoRan says its Grasberg mine ramp-up remains on track, with production expected to reach 80% of capacity in mid-2027 and approach full capacity by year-end. It projects third-quarter copper sales of 750 million pounds and gold sales of about 100,000 ounces.
1. Ramp-up timeline
Freeport-McMoRan said progress at its Grasberg Block Cave underground mine in Indonesia is on track for a phased ramp-up as it recovers from a mudslide that disrupted operations last year. The company expects to reach 80% of capacity in mid-2027 and approach full capacity by year-end 2027.
2. Sales and recovery work
Upgrades to the mine’s material handling system are progressing toward completion by early 2027, while preparations continue for a targeted mid-2027 restart at Production Block 1S. Freeport projects third-quarter copper sales of 750 million pounds and gold sales of about 100,000 ounces, below its July 2026 forecast because of deferred gold sales; it estimates an average realized copper price above $6.50 per pound. The mudslide killed seven workers and shuttered operations for nearly a month. Freeport is scheduled to report third-quarter results on October 27.
