PTFI’s President Director Helps Connect Students with Copper

April 10, 2025 - Nearly 200 Freeport employees, family and friends walked alongside thousands of participants in the American Heart Association’s 2025 Phoenix Heart Walk, helping raise funds and awareness for heart disease one step at a time.

More than 1,000 college students in Indonesia have a better connection with copper’s societal importance after a recent presentation by PT Freeport Indonesia President Director Tony Wenas.

Wenas spoke to students at Universitas Sam Ratulangi in Manado, Indonesia, as part of the “Connecting U” campaign, which focuses on educating students about the critical role and long-term potential of copper. The talk itself was titled “Cu: Leader’s Talk,” where “Cu” represents both the chemical symbol for copper and the “Connecting U” term.

Although PTFI has conducted campus visits in the past, the “Cu: Leaders Talk” session marks the beginning of a new series of engagements intended to help expose the next generation of the workforce to PTFI’s work and the importance of copper.

During his visit, Wenas spoke in the university’s auditorium to emphasize copper’s critical role in various aspects of everyday life, highlighting its use in electric cables, electronics and motor vehicles. He pointed out a growing demand for copper due to the shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy.

In addition to talking with the students about copper’s vital role, Wenas spoke about the company’s commitment to community development and social investment. As part of this commitment, Wenas announced at his presentation that PTFI will provide 20 scholarships to students at the university to help further their education.

After the discussion, Wenas took time to take photos with students and speak with many of them individually.

Photos (top to bottom): Tony Wenas visits with Universitas Sam Ratulangi students as part of the “Connecting U” campaign; Students at the university engage in the presentation; Tony Wenas connects with students following his presentation.