Timika, Papua. A landslide struck the Grasberg Block Cave (GBC) underground mining site operated by Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) late Monday, trapping seven employees inside the facility.

The incident occurred at around 11:21 p.m. local time, according to Mimika Police Chief Billyandha Hildiario Budiman, who confirmed the reports on Tuesday.

“Yes, the information is correct. It happened at PTFI’s underground site. We are still checking and coordinating with the management,” Billyandha told reporters.

Emergency response teams began rescue efforts early Tuesday at 5:07 a.m. Workers from Freeport’s Emergency Response Group (ERG) in Tembagapura are using mucking, or material clearing, to reopen access to the trapped miners.

As of Tuesday afternoon, rescue operations were still underway. The identities and conditions of the seven trapped workers have yet to be disclosed as coordination continues with Freeport’s management.

Katri Krisnati, PTFI's Vice President of Corporate Communications, said that at around 10 p.m. local time on Monday, a large flow of wet material struck the underground mine, cutting off access to certain areas and limiting evacuation routes for the seven workers.

“The location of the trapped workers has been identified and they are believed to be safe,” Katri said in a written statement received on Tuesday.

She added that crews are working to clear the access routes to enable a safe and swift evacuation, while also ensuring essential supplies reach the affected workers.

“All other workers have been confirmed safe. Mining operations have been temporarily suspended to prioritize the clearing of access routes and the safe evacuation of the seven contractor workers,” Katri said.

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