By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Madang Governor, Peter Yama, says a new Memorandum of Agreement must be discussed for the Ramu Nickel Project. Governor Yama says regulator Mineral Resource Authority (MRA) must strictly allow legal process for a new agreement between the State, Madang Provincial Government and landowners.
He described the initial agreement as hopeless with no tangible benefits for all stakeholders. Yama says the agreement has no proven benefit for resource owners, the Madang Provincial Government and local level governments. Governor Yama wants a new memorandum of agreement for the Nickel Project. “A new MOA is the way forward,” said Yama.
Lawyer representing the Madang Provincial Government, Ben Lomai, says a new MOA will be instrumental for all stakeholders. He says State regulator must intervene and provide equal opportunity for stakeholders.
Among other issues concerning the mine, Governor Yama is concerned with the environmental damage caused by tailings of the mine’s operation. He says the matter is before court. Yama says the State and MRA must learn from the many lessons regarding mining operations in the country. He says the Provincial Government will not be deterred to stop the mine’s operations if people’s concerns are not considered.
