Mining giant Freeport-McMoRan has confirmed that all seven workers missing after last month’s mud-flow disaster at its Grasberg copper and gold mine in Indonesia have been found dead, the company said in a statement on Sunday.
The confirmation came after the discovery of five additional bodies, bringing the final death toll to seven.
The incident occurred on September 8 when an estimated 800,000 metric tons of wet material surged through the mining area, trapping workers and halting operations at one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines.
“Freeport Indonesia confirms with deep sadness that all seven of our colleagues who were unaccounted for have now been found and have died as a result of the incident,” the company said, extending condolences to the victims’ families.
Operations at the Grasberg mine, located in Papua province, have remained suspended for nearly a month as authorities and company officials continue recovery and safety assessments.
Freeport-McMoRan has warned that the prolonged shutdown will negatively impact its consolidated copper and gold sales for the third quarter.
The company added that it is advancing its investigation into the cause of the disaster and is working closely with Indonesian government agencies to evaluate the event and determine future operational plans.
The Grasberg mine, operated by PT Freeport Indonesia, is a key contributor to Indonesia’s economy and one of the largest sources of copper and gold globally.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
