Waste Management

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 Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold

waste management and recycling
PT Freeport Indonesia’s environmental management programs encompass all aspects of its operations, not just those related to mining. We have a comprehensive waste management system using the principles of reuse, recycling and reduction. Our waste minimization programs involve waste reduction and substitution with environmentally friendly products. Bulk containers, used oil, used papers and tires are all reused locally in an environmentally acceptable manner. Other recyclable materials such as aluminum, scrap metals and used batteries are collected and stored in a temporary storage area for subsequent recycling or removal in accordance with the requirements of the Indonesian government.

Wastes, including small amounts of hazardous waste, are segregated at the point of origin. Collection, packaging and storage of hazardous wastes generated by assay work on ore samples, analytical laboratories and other processes are managed in compliance with Indonesian government regulations. Hazardous wastes are segregated and stored in specifically designed storage facilities until they can be shipped to approved hazardous waste disposal facilities elsewhere in Indonesia. Medical wastes are separated from other wastes in special containers for final destruction in a permitted high-temperature medical waste incinerator on-site.

PT Freeport Indonesia’s other solid wastes are disposed in three designated locations, including landfills for inert wastes and a landfill for biodegradable and other wastes, which is lined and equipped with a leachate collection and treatment system. PT Freeport Indonesia has implemented programs to comply with updated government regulations on domestic liquid waste that affect our 10 sewage treatment plants. The effluent quality from all sewage treatment plants is monitored regularly for the parameters of pH, BOD (biological oxygen demand), COD (chemical oxygen demand) TSS (total suspended solids) and oil and grease in accordance with the standard.

Collection of household solid waste in PT Freeport Indonesia's employee communities is managed by local Papuan-owned businesses.