Identifying Knowledge Gaps in Geological Information Understanding within the POI–ATE Process at PT Freeport Indonesia

Background: Geological information supports technical and operational decision-making in underground mining; however, its interpretation may vary across stakeholder groups. At PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI), the Plan of Intent (POI)–Approval to Excavate (ATE) process requires personnel from Geology, Geotech, and Engineering to review geological information before excavation in the Deep Mill Level Zone (DMLZ). Objective: This study examines patterns in stakeholder perceptions to identify areas of knowledge alignment and gaps within the POI–ATE process. Methods: An exploratory quantitative survey was conducted with 38 respondents from Geology (information sender), Geotech, and Engineering (information receivers). Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, Hedges' g effect sizes, and item-level gap analysis, with the findings interpreted through a Supported–Tentative–Preliminary framework. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with six decision-makers were conducted to develop and prioritize improvement alternatives using the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique (SMART). Results: The findings indicated moderate-to-high perceptions across five dimensions, with no statistically significant differences between information senders and receivers and predominantly very small to small effect sizes. Findings concerning understanding of report content, the need for discussion, delays, rework, and stakeholder-oriented reporting were well supported, whereas findings concerning clarification at the approval stage, report complexity, and systematic evaluation remained preliminary. Conclusion: SMART ranked the Clear and Decision-Focused ATE Report (A1) first among the four business-solution alternatives, making it the highest-priority alternative for pilot evaluation; this ranking remained stable across seven weighting scenarios.