Nickel, cobalt project resumes operation

THE nickel and cobalt project in Madang has resumed operation after Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) mines inspectorate issued a conditional operating permission on June 28, according to the company.
Ramu NiCo president Wang Jicheng told his management and staff that MRA mine inspectorate conducted site verification of rectification late last month and issued permission to resume high pressure acid leach (HPAL) train 1 and train 2.
“KBK mine and Basamuk refinery followed the operating procedure to restart the process and utility,” Jicheng said.
“The process plant at Basamuk is now being systematically restarted with two autoclaves.
“Timing for full resumption of operation will be further advised.”
He said following permission by the MRA, Basamuk refinery immediately took steps to restart the two trains by feeding the slurry with overall project system operation from KBK mine to Basamuk refinery.”
The operation started on July 1.
“In the restart of system and further rectifications of HPAL train 3, it is important we keep our fundamental commitment to safety of ourselves, our colleagues and our assets,” Jicheng said.
Employees from both Basamuk refinery and KBK mine who have been put on stand-by have returned to their work sites.