Independent facilitator proposed for MoA review

 THE Madang provincial government has proposed that an independent external facilitator review its memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Ramu nickel mine.

Aspects in the agreement include special lands titles, a mine closure plan, financing packages for landowners and the engagement of an independent environment assessment team.

   The Madang government and landowners of the mine met Mining Minister Byron Chan yesterday regarding the proposed revised agreement.

It followed a working committee meeting in Madang last Friday on the Ramu mine revised MOA.  

A final draft of the revised agreement was given  to Chan for presentation to Cabinet.

Meanwhile the provincial government has agreed to redistribute 20% of its share of royalty to local level governments and a further 3% to landowners through their respective associations.

A submission for a proposed review of royalty calculation to 2% from the current 1.25% was also proposed.