Beard, D, Lara Moran, F, Brannon, C & Rumbino, H 2024, 'Update on the Grasberg and Kucing Liar block cave mines', in Daniel Johansson & Håkan Schunnesson (eds), MassMin 2024: Proceedings of the International Conference & Exhibition on Mass Mining, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, pp. 1286-1297, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2435_O-04
(https://papers.acg.uwa.edu.au/p/2435_O-04/)
Abstract: The Grasberg Block Cave mine (GBC) has been in production since 2018 and is a major contributor to P.T Freeport Indonesia’s (PTFI) total production profile. Full production was achieved ahead of expectations and was made possible by many notable accomplishments. Record drawbelling and undercutting rates were set during the ramp-up, supported by a highly efficient rail haulage and ore flow system. The mine also continues to experience challenges, including the undercutting sequence, pumping, wet muck, and SO2 gas. This paper will explore the accomplishments and challenges at GBC and provide an overview on the newest project at PTFI – the Kucing Liar Block Cave mine (KL). The KL mine is being planned as a 90,000 metric tonnes per day (mtpd) block cave mine, which lies below and adjacent to the GBC footprint. PTFI expects to leverage its extensive knowledge of successfully constructing and operating large, long-lived block cave mines in the planning, construction, and ramp-up to full production of the KL mine within 10 years.