Indonesia Considers Renewing Freeport Indonesia’s Copper Export Permit

The Indonesian government is considering allowing mining giant Freeport Indonesia to resume copper concentrate exports this year after its permit expired on January 1. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed that Freeport has formally requested a renewal of its export license, and the government is currently processing the application.

“We are discussing this matter with the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs,” Bahlil stated in Jakarta. He added that the decision would be presented to President Prabowo Subianto, ensuring it balances the interests of both Freeport and the nation.

The export ban was initially implemented to encourage domestic processing of minerals at Freeport’s Gresik smelter in East Java, aiming to increase the added value of Indonesia's mineral resources. However, a fire at the smelter in October forced the company to delay operations. The expired permit has since led to a buildup of copper concentrates in Freeport's storage facilities.

Bahlil emphasized the need for Freeport to commit to repairing the damaged facility, stating, “We must ensure they remain committed. If not, they will continue exporting copper concentrates.”

The government’s decision on Freeport’s export request is expected to weigh the urgency of operational recovery against long-term goals of boosting domestic mineral processing.