Mine’s suspension lifted

By JEFFREY ELAPA
THE Government has lifted the suspension of operations at the Ramu Nico mine in Madang after “satisfactory site verifications by mine inspectors”, according to the Mineral Resources Authority.
Permission was granted to Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd to resume “operation for the neutralisation and surge tanks at E143 of the Basamuk processing plant last Friday Oct 25 after the order to shut down on Oct 18”. “The permission was given following satisfactory site verifications by mines inspectors on-site who have been monitoring and ensuring that the company was in compliance with statutory orders, given to rectify the defects as a condition of recommencing operations following the shutdown.”
The inspectors returned to the site last Wednesday to inspect “remedial works and compliance”.
“There are other outstanding remedial measures which were not considered as part of the E143 area.”
It said overall safety measures for the Basamuk processing plant including competency training for workers and regular risk assessment and risk management trainings were stressed.
Mining Minister Johnson Tuke said he was not informed last Friday by the authority of the decision on the mine.
Tuke announced the suspension of operation last Wednesday.
On Friday, the authority lifted it after assessing the safety requirements the company was told to comply with.
The Ramu NiCo management said its Basamuk refinery plant in Raicoast district resumed operations on Friday.
The Basamuk plant was indefinitely shut down following an order by the Mines Inspectorate on Oct 18 accompanied by 116 recommendations.