Freeport Targets 2029 for Kucing Liar Mine Production

PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is targeting 2029 for the commencement of production at its Kucing Liar underground mine in the Grasberg area of Papua. This development is crucial for maintaining the company's long-term production capacity as output from the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ) mine begins to decline.

President Director of PTFI, Tony Wenas, confirmed that the development of the Kucing Liar mine is underway and is slated to enter the production phase within the next three years. "We are preparing the Kucing Liar mine, located near the current mining area, to begin operations in 2029," Wenas stated during a hearing with Commission XII of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

The Kucing Liar mine is expected to ensure operational continuity once DMLZ production wanes. According to Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) reports, development of Kucing Liar started in 2022. Throughout 2025, the company conducted various studies to evaluate potential expansions of the mining area. Initial designs proposed a production capacity of 90,000 metric tons of ore per day, but subsequent studies suggest this could be increased to 130,000 metric tons per day with relatively low-cost development.

This expansion could also boost mine reserves by approximately 20 percent compared to initial estimates. The Kucing Liar mine is estimated to hold around 8 billion pounds of copper and 8 million ounces of gold, with projected operations extending until 2041. Once fully operational, Freeport anticipates Kucing Liar will produce an average of 750 million pounds of copper and about 735,000 ounces of gold annually.