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Gold mining has fueled economies for centuries, with some of the richest deposits hidden deep beneath the earth’s surface. While many mines yield only modest amounts of gold, a select few stand out for their massive output and staggering value.
Among them, one mine reigns supreme—the Grasberg mine in Papua, Indonesia. This colossal operation is not only the largest and richest gold mine in the world but also ranks among the top copper producers globally. Each year, Grasberg extracts an astonishing 48 tonnes of gold, making it an unparalleled gold-producing powerhouse.
Located in a remote mountainous region near Puncak Jaya, the highest peak in Papua, Grasberg sits atop an area abundant in minerals due to shifting tectonic plates. To sustain its massive operations, the mine functions like a self-contained city, complete with its own airport, seaport, roads, housing, schools, and even a hospital. With a workforce of around 20,000 people, it operates on a scale unlike any other in the mining world.
Grasberg is owned by PT Freeport Indonesia, a joint venture between the Indonesian government and American mining giant Freeport-McMoRan. For decades, the mine was known for its mile-wide open pit, but as surface gold reserves dwindled, operations transitioned underground—unlocking even deeper veins of untapped wealth.
With its staggering reserves and state-of-the-art infrastructure, Grasberg remains the undisputed king of gold mines, holding a fortune worth billions beneath its rugged landscape.
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