Jakarta. Indonesian rescue teams are racing against time to free seven workers trapped underground at Freeport Indonesia’s (PTFI) Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) mine, as unstable conditions and heavy mud continue to obstruct evacuation efforts more than 10 days after the incident.

The mudslide struck Extraction Panels 28–30 of the mine in Tembagapura, Mimika Regency, on Sept. 8 around 10 p.m. local time, collapsing tunnels and cutting off access to the workers. Since then, progress has been slow amid fears of further cave-ins and flooding. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the miners are still alive.

“The biggest technical challenge is safety,” said Prof. Wahyu Wilopo, a geologist from Gadjah Mada University. “Oxygen supply, limited working space, and the constant risk of rockfall or new mud inflows pose serious threats. Rescue must be done quickly, but with utmost caution to avoid further casualties.”

Geological conditions are compounding the crisis, Wahyu explained. Natural fault lines can act as channels for water and mud during heavy rains, while the block caving method used at Grasberg, though efficient for extraction, does not fully prevent material collapse. “The challenge is not only the existing mud but the risk of more entering the tunnels during the rescue,” he said.

Wahyu urged the use of modern technology, including robotic and remote-controlled equipment, to reduce risks for rescuers. He also called for long-term prevention measures such as hazard mapping, early-warning sensors, alternate tunnels, and stockpiles of oxygen and emergency supplies inside mine shafts. “Preparedness training for all mine workers is absolutely essential,” he added.

Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas said the company has mobilized all available resources. “Our emergency teams are working tirelessly to open access to the estimated location of the workers, while trying to restore communication,” he said. Operations at all underground mining sites have been suspended to prioritize evacuation and recovery.

The company has also released the names of the trapped workers: Irwan, Wigih Hartono, Victor Manuel Bastida Ballesteros, Holong Gembira Silaban, Dadang Hermanto, Zaverius Magai, and Balisang Telile. Local media reported that Ballesteros is a Chilean national, while Telile is believed to be from South Africa. Families of the trapped miners have been brought to the site in Timika to receive direct updates.

Freeport, a subsidiary of US-based Freeport-McMoRan, operates Grasberg, one of the world’s largest gold and copper mines. 

Wahyu, echoing public concern, expressed hope for a safe resolution. “We all pray this evacuation succeeds in saving the miners, and that every member of the rescue team remains safe,” he said.

As of Friday evening, rescue crews continued efforts to dig through mud and debris, with progress described as slow and painstaking. Officials have not provided a timeline for when the miners might be reached.