By Rangga Prakoso
The Jakarta Globe
Indonesia’s energy ministry will allow Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold to resume open-pit operations at the world’s second biggest copper mine, a deputy minister said confirmed on Sunday.
Energy and Mineral Resources Deputy Minister Susilo Siswoutomo said that the US-based firm was given permission to start up its operations again after the its Grasberg mine was thoroughly evaluated by an independent investigative team.
The mine, located in Timika, Papua, was shut after a tunnel collapsed in mid-May and killed 28 people.
“The permit was issued on Friday, but it was not for underground [mining],” he told reporters. “There are many other things to consider, but the point is, [Freeport] can start operating again.