Ramu Nickel mine project agreement undergoes review

The long- awaited second review of the Community Development Agreement [CDA], or what was otherwise called the Memorandum of Agreement or MOA of the country’s first- ever nickel and cobalt project based in Madang Province, is now underway.

The weeklong review started on Monday at the Jais Aben Resort Hotel, outside town.

Mining Minister, Solen Loifa, officiated at the commencement of the five- days’ review; with a challenge to all project stakeholders to bring their concerns and issues regarding the project to the review table.

He said, “The review is an opportunity for us to improve and do better for the mine- impacted parties. Let us see what is working and what is not working, increase benefits or not, and to manage the mineral resources which our good Lord has put in Madang Province.

“As leaders, we need to reflect and ask, have we bee good leaders, accountable and good stewards in managing benefits and mineral resources on behalf of the people. The same can be asked by the beneficiaries. Have we managed the benefits derived from the Ramu Nickel Project well?”

The initial project agreement was signed in 2000 and underwent a major review in 2013. This agreement, however; expired in 2018 and has been pending another review since then.

“The review has been delayed due to various reasons,” Mr Loifa said.

The current review is for Special Mining Lease or SML 8 under Phase One of the project. Phase Two of the mine expansion will cover SML 14

Minister Loifa said he has been tasked by the Prime Minister to deliver SML 14 of the project under the mine expansion program.

“However, I need to take a good story back to our Prime Minister and Cabinet that SML 8 was done fairly, taking into consideration all the parties’ concerns.

“Let me assure you all that the lessons learnt in SML 8 will not be repeated in SML 14. The landowners, LLGs, Madang Provincial Government and the company will hold us accountable for our actions. We all have an obligation to our people,” Mr Loifa added.

The Minister further stated that the review provides the perfect opportunity for all parties to think and speak constructively and realistically about their issues as this opportunity will not come again until after another five years when the next review is due.

Minister Loifa emphasised, “It is my duty as minister responsible to ensure all parties walk out of this review in a win- win situation.”

Following the official opening of the review, the mining minister took a tour of Ramu Nickel’s project sites, both at the Kurumbukari SML area and the Basamuk Refinery site. He was accompanied by Governor Ramsey Pariwa, Usino/ Bundi MP, Vincent Kumura, Ramu Nickel’s President and the deputy Managing Director of the Mineral Resources Authority.