PTFI was on the cusp of recovering from last October’s strike when a small number of Tujuh Suku, the seven tribes, blocked the access road to the underground mine and the open pit with a piece of heavy equipment early Monday morning. Within hours, hundreds of tribal employees joined the blockade. According to Kompas.com, their demands include seeing the company impose sanctions on employees who supported the last strike, and rewarding the seven tribe workers who did not support the strike.

Yesterday morning, one-hundred and fifty members of the Indonesian police arrived at jobsite in full riot gear. With their shields in hand, they walked through the blockade, opening it up for employees who were wanting and waiting to return to work. Just another day at PTFI.

My personal opinions and views do not reflect the views of Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, affiliates, business partners or related business entities.