Freeport Indonesia to Develop New Kucing Liar Mine with $4.6 Billion Investment

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is advancing its plans for the Kucing Liar underground mine in Central Papua, with a total projected investment of Rp 72 trillion (approximately $4.6 billion). This investment is part of the company's long-term operational strategy, aimed at offsetting anticipated declines in production from existing mines, particularly the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC).

According to Tony Wenas, President Director of PTFI, the company has already invested Rp 24 trillion (around $1.6 billion) into the Kucing Liar project, which is expected to produce about 130,000 tons of copper ore per day upon reaching full operational capacity. The mine is projected to yield over 8 billion pounds of copper and 8 million ounces of gold throughout its operational lifespan.

“The stability of our mining operations will continue with Kucing Liar, which is designed to replace the declining production from DMLZ.”Tony Wenas, President Director of PTFI

The Kucing Liar mine is set to begin production in 2029, a year later than initially planned due to a landslide incident at the GBC in September 2025. This new mine is crucial for maintaining PTFI's overall production target of 240,000 tons of ore per day, especially as the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) mine experiences declining output.

In a recent statement during a public hearing with Indonesia's Commission XII, Wenas emphasized the significance of the Kucing Liar project for both the company and the local economy, noting that the stability of mining operations will continue with Kucing Liar, which is designed to replace the declining production from DMLZ.

PTFI has been developing the Kucing Liar mine since 2022 and aims to ramp up production gradually, reaching its design capacity by 2030. The company is also exploring further opportunities for additional reserves beneath the current mining areas, contingent on the extension of its Special Mining Business License (IUPK) beyond 2041.

“Our success as a company is intertwined with the welfare of the communities around our operations.”Tony Wenas, President Director of PTFI

Freeport-McMoRan, PTFI's parent company, has reported that the total capital expenditure for the Kucing Liar project is expected to reach around $4 billion until 2033, averaging about $500 million annually. This investment demonstrates Freeport's commitment to sustaining its operations in Indonesia and supporting local communities through various social investment programs.

In 2025, PTFI contributed approximately Rp 13.48 trillion ($875 million) to the Indonesian government and local provinces, alongside ongoing social investment initiatives valued at around Rp 2 trillion ($130 million) annually. Wenas stated that the company's success is intertwined with the welfare of the communities around its operations.