Freeport to Invest IDR 101.57 Trillion in Kucing Liar Mining Project
Sat 31 Oct 2026, 16:11 PM
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PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) is reviewing the operational timeline for its Kucing Liar underground mining project in the Grasberg mining complex, Central Papua. The company has invested approximately USD 1.6 billion (IDR 29.02 trillion) as of September 30, 2026, and plans to allocate an additional US$4 billion (IDR 72.55 trillion) in capital expenditure through 2033.
According to the third-quarter 2026 earnings report released by its parent company, Freeport-McMoRan (FCX), on October 27, 2026, development of the Kucing Liar mine has been underway since 2022. The project forms part of PTFI's long-term strategy to sustain large-scale mining operations in the Grasberg mineral district.
"The timing of the project's commencement of operations remains under review," FCX management stated in the report.
Despite the ongoing review, PTFI's long-term mining plan targets a production ramp-up at Kucing Liar beginning around 2030. The underground mine is designed to process approximately 130,000 metric tonnes of ore per day.
"PTFI's long-term mining plan includes ramping up production at Kucing Liar beginning around 2030, with a design capacity of approximately 130,000 metric tonnes of ore per day," management stated.
At full capacity, Kucing Liar is expected to produce approximately 750 million pounds of copper and 735,000 ounces of gold annually. The additional output is expected to support the continuity of large-scale mining operations across the Grasberg complex.
In terms of investment, PTFI had spent approximately USD 1.6 billion (IDR 29.02 trillion) on the development of Kucing Liar as of the end of September 2026. The company estimates that an additional USD 4 billion (IDR 72.55 trillion) will be required through 2033.
This brings the total investment already made and projected for the project to approximately USD 5.6 billion (IDR 101.57 trillion).
Management expects the remaining capital expenditure to average approximately USD 500 million (IDR 9.07 trillion) annually through 2033.
The development of Kucing Liar is one of PTFI's strategic projects aimed at maintaining long-term copper and gold production as mining operations across the Grasberg complex continue to evolve. Under normal operating conditions, PTFI's underground mines collectively have the capacity to produce approximately 1.7 billion pounds of copper and 1.3 million ounces of gold annually.
With its planned production capacity, Kucing Liar is expected to become a significant addition to PTFI's underground mining portfolio, supporting sustained mineral production in the Grasberg complex over the long term.
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