Freeport Indonesia forecasts 820 million pounds of copper in 2026
The company expects year-end production capacity to reach 67% of normal as Grasberg Block Cave recovers from a September 2025 mudslide.
PT Freeport Indonesia expects its Grasberg mine in Central Papua to produce 820 million pounds of copper by the end of 2026, president director Tony Wenas said. The forecast comes as operations at Grasberg Block Cave recover following a mudslide in early September 2025.
Speaking at the Minerba Convention & Exhibition 2026 at Jiexpo on 3 November, Wenas said copper output through the third quarter totalled 249 million pounds, a 1% deviation from the plan. Gold production over the same period reached 219,000 ounces, with about 700,000 ounces expected for the full year.
Wenas said the mine's recovery remained on schedule, although production capacity was expected to reach only 67% of its normal level by year-end. He described output as substantially below normal capacity but consistent with the forecast the company had made public at the start of the year.
The company projects operations will move towards 100% capacity by the end of 2027, before returning to full production in 2028, Wenas said.
