The chairmen of four impacted landowner associations in the Ramu nickel/cobalt project in Madang have agreed to let operations continue smoothly.
A consensus was reached on Tuesday following a meeting with the managing director of Mineral Resources Authority, Philip Samar, and the developer, Ramu NiCo Management (MCC), in Madang.
The four chairmen representing the project impacted communities included Kurumbukari Landowners Association (LOA), Basamuk LOA, Coastal Pipeline LOA and Maigari LOA.
Three of the four chairmen had earlier threatened, in a letter dated November 8, to disrupt the operations. They issued a seven-day ultimatum, commencing November 9, for the government and the developer to respond to their petition or they would shut down the mine.
Their grievance ranged from outstanding issues including landowner royalty, business development grant of K10 million promised by the national government five years ago and spin-off business opportunities to the landowners.
However, it was resolved during the meeting on Tuesday that royalty will be paid to the landowners soon but required formalities to be sorted out by the Company and MRA.
All parties also resolved that the outstanding K10 million Business Development Grant is a political commitment by the government and all administrative avenues have been exhausted.
“MRA has submitted a NEC submission for Mining Minister to take to Prime Minister and NEC Cabinet for their blessing to release the Grant,” says the firm.
On the issue of spin-off business opportunities, all parties have agreed to organise a forum on December 14 in Madang to deliberate on the matter.
(Mining operation at Ramu NiCo’s Kurumbukari nickel/cobalt mine in Madang)