Ramu NiCo clarifies stance

THE developer of the Ramu nickel mine says it can only participate in a joint research into the environmental pollution in Madang when other government departments are involved.
The Ramu NiCo Management Ltd, while welcoming the invitation by the Madang government to be part of the joint team, said while it appreciated the provincial government’s initiative, it would join up when the Conservation Environment Protection Authority (Cepa), National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and other lead agencies were involved so that investigation results could warrant the up-lifting of fish ban by the province.
“We must also have a roundtable meeting to discuss so many things before the investigation begins because this is a highly technical area,” the Ramu NiCo management said.
“We cannot just get a helicopter, fly to Karkar Island and collect samples anywhere and bring back on the chopper unsecured,” it said.
However, the company management expressed concern that the company was informed only through the media on Friday.
The company said findings by a Swiss scientist did not have a baseline study to measure against.
The scientist was not sanctioned by the PNG Government regulatory entity or Cepa to conduct such investigation.
“The company will only accept findings and reports sanctioned by Government, not others.
“The company refutes the damning report which is irresponsible, defamatory and malicious to the corporate image of Ramu NiCo, a genuine developer invited by the government of PNG to operate in this country,” the company said.
“Today, Nov 4, MPG sent a formal invitation to Ramu NiCo (MCC) to join the investigation.
Others invited included Dr Alex Mojon’s team, police, Dr Gawi from Modilon General Hospital, Mineral Resources Authority, Cepa, the National Fisheries Authority, Department of Health and MPG team.
“The investigation was to start on Monday until today, covering Karkar Island, Bagbag Island, Long Island, Kranket Island, Bilbil village, Yabob village, Basamuk Bay, Usino, Ramu and Kurumbukari.
“We are quite concerned because the time is very short to prepare ourselves, including those who are invited to confirm their involvement,” the company said.