Landowners representing the four impact areas of the Ramu Nickle Mine are opposing the Madang provincial Government stance on shutting down the mining operations.
Spokesperson and chair-man of the coastal pipeline, Steven Saud, said the landowners do not believe that the spillage that happened three weeks ago should warrant the mine’s closure.
Saud argued that it is a technical issue and they will have to wait for the results from MRA and CEPA to know if the spillage is toxic to the environment.
They are against the Madang provincial government’s plans to close down the mine.
Chairman of the coastal pipeline, Steven Saud, said the spillage three weeks ago should not become a matter for the provincial government to decide on the mine’s closure.
Saying they need to verify and confirm facts first.
Thus, they will have to wait for the lab results from Mineral Resource Authority and Conservation Environment and Protection Authority.
Saud further remarked that landowners have benefited from the mine both directly and indirectly.
These benefits are through spin -off activities, employment opportunities, infrastructure developments including road links.
Adding Rai Coast and Usino Bundi are the two least developed Districts in Madang.
However, Ramu Nickle Mine is bringing in some form of developments to these two Districts.
The Landowners do not agree with the Madang provincial Government decision to have the mine shut down.
Martha Loius – EMTV News, Madang
