Freeport stops gold production in Indonesia over security concerns

Indonesia : US mining giant Freeport has temporarily stopped production at its gold and copper mine in Indonesia's restive Papua province over security concerns.

Nurhadi Sabirin, a vice president for PT Freeport Indonesia, said Monday's decision affects all operations at both the Grasberg mine's open-pit and underground sites.

[caption id="attachment_109845" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="US mining giant Freeport has temporarily stopped production at its gold and copper mine. Reuters"][/caption]

He says the move - which comes four weeks into a strike by thousands of workers over low pay - was necessary because of attacks and suspected sabotage.

The 60 mile (110 kilometer) pipeline that channels gold and copper concentrates from the mine to the port has been cut in several places.

The mine has some of the largest gold and copper reserves in the world.

Four miners have been killed in attacks and gunfire by security forces in the last week.

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AP