Irian Jaya
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Shift change at the Grasberg gold and copper mine, which is the largest single gold deposit and third largest copper deposit in the world, located at 3000 m. Operated by U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan, the open-pit mine straddles the lofty spine where the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates collide, a zone of great mineral wealth. Freeport has recently identified an additional 75 sites in the highlands for possible drilling. While a boon to the national economy, the mining giant has met fierce opposition from tribal groups who claim tailings have caused the flooding of their lands.

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©1993 George Steinmetz
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Shift change at the Grasberg gold and copper mine, which is the largest single gold deposit and third largest copper deposit in the world, located at 3000 m. Operated by U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan, the open-pit mine straddles the lofty spine where the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates collide, a zone of great mineral wealth. Freeport has recently identified an additional 75 sites in the highlands for possible drilling. While a boon to the national economy, the mining giant has met fierce opposition from tribal groups who claim tailings have caused the flooding of their lands.

All images ©George Steinmetz. Please contact us for usage.