Sawang queries Ramu SML 14

Parliament heard this week that while the Government is working on the expansion of the Ramu Nickel Mine in Madang Province under Special Mining Lease 14, 90% of what’s stated in the earlier Lease 8 has not been fulfilled.

Raicoast MP Kessy Sawang in a question to Mining Minister Solen Loifa, also highlighted for over a decade there was no review of the Community Development Agreement [CDA].

In April this year, a review was opened for the CDA.

Negotiations are now underway for the expansion of SML 14, from Basamuk to Raicoast for the downstream processing of metals from the Ramu Nickel mine.

Sawang queried whether there will be a new framework for SML 14, considering its difference to the SML 8:

Mining Minister Solen Loifa in response, says a state negotiating team has been appointed to negotiate and discuss the best way forward on this expansion with disclosure to be expected soon.

Loifa says SNT will negotiate and discuss things and once cabinet clears it, he will advise.