"We demand that the copper produced at the smelter fulfill domestic market obligations first and prioritize East Java's interest," he said here on Wednesday.
In addition, the copper should not be exported but should be stored as backup supply, he added.
"It would be good if the copper is reserved in East Java. Our interests should be considered first. Freeport has expressed its readiness over this issue," Soekarwo affirmed.
According to the governor, some 2 million tons of mineral concentrate can be processed annually at the smelter. If we take into account the 1 million tons produced by PT Smelting, the total copper produced in East Java will come to around 3 million tons per year.
"This will make it the largest smelter in Indonesia, even in the world," Soekarwo remarked.
The governor further noted that Freeport Indonesia wants to accelerate the construction of the smelter in Gresik as sulfuric acid and gypsum slug from mining cannot be processed.
"As the residues cannot be processed, they worry it will become hazardous and toxic," he pointed out.
If that happens, the sulfuric acid and gypsum slug can only be disposed in Cileungsi, West Java, which will involve considerable expenditure.
"The cost will burden Freeport. So as a solution, they have asked that the smelter be built in Gresik and be realized soon," Soekarwo said.
However, the governor admitted that the plan to construct the smelter was not without obstacles.
"We will find solutions. We will explain to the governor of Papua that the smelter will only need 400 people. But with the earlier process, it can employ three thousand people. We will explain this," he said. (WDY)
: I Gusti Bagus Widyantara
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