Dian Kusumo Hapsari
Bahlil said that his ministry is also focusing on negotiations to build smelters in Papua and increase local entrepreneurs' involvement in managing PTFI's mines.
PTFI has invested USD3 billion in constructing a smelter in Gresik, East Java, with a capacity of 60 tons of pure gold and 400,000 tons of copper cathode, set to commence operations on July 1.
Bahlil warned that without proactive measures, the reserves will cease to be viable for production by 2035.
(DKH)
