"As of today, Freeport has not resumed production. They remain focused on searching for the trapped miners," Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia said on Friday.
He offered condolences over the disaster, confirming that two trapped miners had been found dead. The victims, buried under wet material at the Grasberg mine in Tembagapura, were identified as Irawan, 46, and Wigih Hartono, 37.
The five workers still missing are Victor Manuel Bastida Ballesteros, Holong Gembira Silaban, Dadang Hermanto, Zaverius Magai, and Balisang Telile.
According to Bahlil, the three-week suspension has hurt mining productivity and affected state, regional, and company revenues.
"We pray that this accident can be resolved soon," he added.
Freeport Indonesia’s Underground Mine Rescue Team (UGMR) continues efforts to reach the workers trapped by the shifting wet material at Grasberg. The team is digging from two access routes and reinforcing supporting infrastructure due to the depth and limited air circulation.
"To minimize risks for the rescue team, heavy equipment, including remote-controlled loaders, has been deployed," VP Corporate Communications Katri Krisnati said Thursday.
Earlier, the rescue team successfully evacuated two workers on September 20.
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Related news: Two bodies found in Grasberg mine, five workers still missing
Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Anton Santoso
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