On August 8, the converter at PT Smelting Gresik experienced a molten material leak accident, and repairs are expected to take at least several weeks. The incident occurred when high‑temperature molten material contacted water, generating pressure and a large amount of steam. The plant suspended operations and began inspections, with no casualties reported.

Low anode inventory has compounded the problem. The smelting suspension directly affects copper cathode production, which has a capacity of 342,000 mt/year. The smelting side processes about 1.3 million dmt/year of copper concentrates.

As a result, copper cathode shipments will be suspended in the coming weeks. The plant is negotiating with clients for delayed deliveries while it works to restore equipment. No impact on nearby residents or the environment has been found so far.

Historical data show the plant produced 207,200 mt of cathode in 2025, down from 335,200 mt in 2024, partly due to raw‑material supply disruptions and maintenance. The outage is expected to continue until repairs are complete, likely extending shipments for several weeks.