Raicoast MP Kessy Sawang presses PNG's Marape Government on Ramu Nickel deal

The Marape Government has come under renewed pressure in Parliament over the future of the Ramu Nickel Mine expansion, with Raicoast MP Kessy Sawang questioning how the State intends to move forward when many commitments under the existing mining agreement remain outstanding.

Ms Sawang used Question Time this week to challenge the Government on the proposed expansion of the Ramu Nickel project in Madang Province under Special Mining Lease (SML) 14, saying obligations under the earlier Special Mining Lease 8 had largely not been delivered.

Ms Sawang 

She told Parliament that about 90 per cent of commitments contained in SML 8 remain unfulfilled despite the mine having operated for years. Ms Sawang also pointed out that the Community Development Agreement (CDA), which outlines benefits and obligations for affected communities, had not been reviewed for more than a decade.

The long-awaited review of the Community Development Agreement was opened in April this year, allowing parties to revisit issues relating to community benefits as discussions continue on the mine's future.

Negotiations are also underway for the expansion of SML 14, which proposes to extend downstream metal processing operations from Basamuk into the Raicoast area.

During her question, Ms Sawang asked Mining Minister Solen Loifa whether the Government would introduce a new framework for SML 14, given that the proposed expansion differs from the earlier SML 8 arrangement.

Responding in Parliament, Mr Loifa said the Government had already appointed a State Negotiating Team to conduct negotiations and determine the best approach for the expansion project.

He said the negotiating team would continue discussions with stakeholders before presenting its recommendations to Cabinet.

“The SNT will negotiate and discuss matters, and once Cabinet clears it, I will advise,” Mr Loifa told Parliament.