Underground Landslide at PT Freeport Indonesia: Seven Workers Initially Reported Trapped
A landslide hit PT Freeport Indonesia’s (PTFI) underground mine in Mimika Regency, Central Papua, on Monday, September 8, 2025, at around 22:00 local time (WIT). Heavy rainfall triggered the incident. At first, seven underground workers were trapped, raising serious concerns about safety in the Grasberg Block Cave area.
Confirmation from Local Authorities
Head of Tembagapura Police, Iptu Firman, confirmed the incident at PTFI’s underground site. The mine operates under Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc, a global mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
“Seven workers were trapped inside the tunnel. However, the underground site has a safety chamber with clean air, food supplies, and communication systems. We hope they remain safe,” Firman told reporters in Timika on Tuesday.
Emergency Safety Chamber in Underground Mining
A safety chamber plays a vital role in underground mining. It protects workers during emergencies such as landslides, fires, or gas leaks. These chambers include:
Fresh air systems
Emergency food and water
Communication equipment
Protection against toxic gases
Because of these facilities, the trapped workers had a higher chance of survival until rescue teams arrived.
Rescue and Evacuation Efforts
On Tuesday morning, September 9, joint rescue teams began clearing debris and securing the collapsed tunnel. They used heavy machinery and relied on geotechnical experts to speed up evacuation.
By the afternoon, PTFI announced that all seven employees were safe. Debris had blocked the tunnel temporarily. However, the rescue team managed to reach and secure the workers.
Related article: PT Freeport Underground Mine Landslide, Workers Reported Trapped
Corporate Response from PT Freeport Indonesia
According to Katri Krisnati, Vice President of Corporate Communication, the landslide resulted from a flow of saturated underground material.
“Seven workers were temporarily trapped, but they are now safe. Mining operations have been suspended to clean access routes and ensure evacuation safety,” Katri said in an official statement.
This underground landslide highlights the risks mining workers face in extreme environments. Although all workers survived, the event shows why continuous monitoring, advanced geotechnical support, and strict safety measures are essential.
As one of Indonesia’s largest mining operators, PTFI must prioritize worker safety and sustainability while also supporting national revenue. With stronger preventive measures, stakeholders hope to reduce risks, protect lives, and keep operations stable.