Freeport-McMoRan's reported lobbying spending of $670,000 in 2024 points to an aggressive political influence strategy. By pouring significant funds into lobbying, the company is likely aiming to shape policies and regulations that benefit its operations, a tactic that can contribute to the erosion of democratic oversight and support authoritarian frameworks. This behavior falls under the category of Public and Political Behavior, specifically Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts, warranting a negative score.

Freeport-McMoRan Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

The disclosed lobbying expenditure of $120,000, aimed at influencing legislative issues such as environmental regulations and mining-related policies, points to a strategic use of corporate political power which can undermine democratic accountability. This action is seen as negative from an anti-fascist perspective because it contributes to an imbalance in policy influence, favoring corporate interests over public welfare and environmental protection.

Lobbying Update: $120,000 of FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. lobbying was just disclosed

The disclosure of political contributions via the company’s official website signals an ongoing involvement in political funding. This kind of activity often supports the influence of corporate money in political processes, which anti-fascist groups argue can erode democratic accountability and facilitate authoritarian outcomes. Although transparent, such contributions are critiqued for enabling power imbalances and reinforcing corporate complicity in political systems that may favor right-wing, authoritarian agendas.

Political Activity Documents | Freeport-McMoRan

Freeport’s financial transactions—ranging from multi-million-dollar payments to security forces to investments in military infrastructure—demonstrate a deliberate strategy of economic collaboration that directly supports authoritarian state mechanisms and repressive violence.

FIFTY YEARS OF CORPORATE EXPLOITATION: ENVIRONMENTAL, LABOR, & HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES BY US MINING GIANT FREEPORT (PART II) — Corporate Accountability Lab

The report details a pattern of unethical practices at PT Freeport Indonesia. These include initiating mass layoffs without any negotiation with the workers’ union, crushing labor strikes through both non-violent and violent measures, and contributing to significant environmental degradation that disrupts the livelihoods of indigenous communities. These actions reflect a disregard for labor rights and environmental responsibility, central concerns under Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility.

New report details numerous violations by PT Freeport Indonesia in West Papua | Tapol

The disclosure reveals that FCX channels political contributions through its PACs and maintains a practice of supporting candidates deemed most favorable to its business interests. From an anti-fascist perspective, this kind of corporate political maneuvering, even if legally compliant and nonpartisan in appearance, supports an environment where corporate interests can override the broader public good. Such influence reinforces power dynamics that favor authoritarian outcomes by limiting robust democratic participation.

Political Activity and Spending Practices - Freeport-McMoRan

The company’s alleged economic collaborations, including multi-million dollar payments to Indonesia’s military, exemplify its structural influence in supporting regimes that perpetuate authoritarian practices. These financial ties enable and embolden repressive government behavior.

Freeport-McMoran: Corporate Rap Sheet

Freeport-McMoRan’s financial and contractual ties with the Indonesian government, which include providing logistical and monetary support to security forces, have strengthened structures that enable authoritarian and repressive practices. This economic collaboration has directly contributed to the perpetuation of human rights abuses.

PDF Human Rights Abuses by Freeport in Indonesia