Ramu Nickel Mine Shutdown to affect nickel production

HIGHLANDS Pacific Limited says the temporary closure of the Ramu Nickel processing plant in Madang will affect nickel production this year.

It said in a statement it had been advised that operations at the Ramu Nickel process plant in Madang would be suspended pending an investigation into the recent death of a worker.

Highlands said the duration of the investigation, being conducted by the Papua New Guinea Mineral Resources Authority and the Mines Inspectorate, remained uncertain.

It said the impact of the shutdown on production would not be known until they knew how long it would be for. 

Highlands holds an 8.56 per cent interest in the Ramu joint venture, which is majority owned and operated by Chinese group Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd.

A Chinese employee died when a high pressure steam supply line erupted at the Basamuk nickel refinery. 

Two locals with him were injured.

MCC halted operations at the plant, which remains on care and maintenance.

Highlands said one of the injured workers had been released from hospital.