The Grasberg Mine

The Grasberg mine has faced criticism for environmental damage, like river pollution, and displacement of Amungme and Kamoro communities, with early benefits skewed toward Jakarta. However, since the 1990s, Freeport has invested in community programs, including schools, clinics, and a 1% profit-sharing fund for tribes, though distribution issues persist. Indonesia’s 51% ownership since 2018 ensures more revenue for national and regional development, such as the Timika economic zone, which employs thousands, including Papuans. Recent environmental progress, like the 2025 cancellation of four nickel mining permits in Raja Ampat, shows responsiveness to conservation concerns. Framing resource extraction as pure exploitation ignores these efforts and the economic contributions to Papua’s growth.

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