Ramu landowners urged to stand firm

I AGREE with your editorial on Jan 31 regarding the practices by the Chinese company involved in trying to develop the Ramu nickel mine.
I am a geologist by profession and I have never desired to work for this company because the Chinese “investment” of K6 billion that was announced by the Somare Government was a flawed and dubious newsflash by the PM to justify his associations with Asians.
This he can do with the timber industry or other industry but mining is a different ball game. Look what has transpired now.
China, as you rightfully put it, has the worst safety records in mining and yet we have allowed them into our yard to operate this project.
Look at the standard and training set by the Australian, Canadian and American companies in places like Porgera, Lihir and Ok Tedi.
It’s a joke to hear about substandard safety and engineering practices at Ramu.
I am not sure how many geologists and mining engineers (if any) from our universities (UPNG, Unitech) are being employed there and who would play a core role in the development of that mine.
It seems there are amateur and unqualified Chinese in charge of mine planning, resource evaluation, environmental monitoring, etc.
It was reported by David Tibu of the Labour Department of the pathetic and substandard breach of laws in PNG by this Chinese company and yet our Government has done absolutely nothing about it.
Why is Waigani so quiet?
Whose interest are our leaders serving?
What about the Foreign Affairs and Labour Departments who are suppose to approve visas as well as work permits?
We read about the Chinese unable not to speak English, which is a requirement for getting a PNG visa. How did they get into PNG in the first place?
In addition, is that Chinese company part of the PNG Chamber of Mines?
If so, the heavies at the chamber must have gone to sleep too as they are not commenting on the sub-standard practices at Ramu.
I appeal to the landowners that the professional miners are supporting you from all over the world to get this valuable project right.
So don’t give in to any politician who may be in the pockets of the company.
You have spoken out at the right time and make sure you get the results.
Never allow yourselves to be bought over by the Chinese.
Make sure there is no violence or damage to property and maintain your solidarity until all your complaints have been addressed.
Only you can make a good decision for your future generation because the people who are supposed to do that are wearing blinkers.

Professional miner
Mt Hagen