Freeport's Manyar Smelter to Start Production September 2026, Gradually Processing Concentrate

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is gearing up to restart its copper concentrate processing facility in Manyar, Gresik, East Java, with operations slated to begin in September 2026. This move is a significant step in strengthening Indonesia's national mineral downstreaming agenda, aiming to increase the value derived from the country's mineral resources.

Tony Wenas, President Director of PTFI, confirmed that the smelter's preparations are proceeding according to schedule. The facility experienced a fire on October 14, 2024, and was previously planned to resume operations by the end of June 2025. The new target date for processing concentrate marks a crucial phase in its recovery and integration into the national supply chain.

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Currently, everything is proceeding according to schedule. By the second quarter of 2026, the utilization rate will increase to around 50 percent. At that level, all concentrate can still be absorbed by the PT Smelting facility.

Production capacity will ramp up incrementally. Wenas indicated that by the second quarter of 2026, the utilization rate would reach approximately 50 percent, with existing smelters capable of absorbing this output. By the third quarter of 2026, the target utilization rate increases to about 65 percent, generating enough concentrate to supply the Manyar facility.

Initially, the Manyar smelter will process concentrate in limited volumes starting September 2026. The company plans a phased increase, aiming for a 65 percent utilization rate by the end of 2026, rising to 75 percent by mid-2027, and finally achieving full 100 percent capacity by the second half of 2027. This gradual expansion is designed to ensure stable operations and maximize the value addition of Indonesia's mineral wealth, reducing reliance on raw material exports.

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Approximately in September, it will start production and process concentrate again, but in limited quantities.