President Prabowo Subianto has granted PT Freeport Indonesia permission to resume exporting copper concentrate, a decision made after a productive meeting at the presidential palace yesterday. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, highlighted that the export ban had been in place since the end of 2024. However, the government reconsidered this decision due to the fire at Freeport's smelter, which led to a backlog of concentrate that needed urgent attention. The government acted swiftly to ensure that Freeport’s operations could continue, while also protecting jobs and economic stability.
Bahlil expressed optimism about the outcome, explaining that the solution reached was a win-win for all parties involved. "By acting decisively, we are ensuring that thousands of workers at Freeport remain employed and that the company continues to generate revenue," he said. The government also imposed a fair increase in export taxes to ensure Freeport contributes more to the country's economy. This positive step ensures Freeport's ability to keep production going while addressing the challenges created by the smelter fire, ultimately benefiting both the company and Indonesia as a whole.
