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2019
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10
Ramu nickel mine in PNG closed after being investigated for mud leak
The Ramu nickel mine in Madang province has reportedly been closed after weeks of controversy over mud leaks into Basamuk Bay, Papua New Guinea. Last Friday, the government, through its mine regulator, the Mineral Resources Administration (MRA), ordered the closure of operations at the Ramu Nico-owned Kenabasamuk (Basamuk) processing plant from this Monday.
The Ramu nickel mine in Madang province has reportedly been closed after weeks of controversy over mud leaks into Basamuk Bay, Papua New Guinea. Last Friday, the government, through its mine regulator, the Mineral Resources Administration (MRA), ordered the closure of operations at the Ramu Nico-owned Kenabasamuk (Basamuk) processing plant from this Monday.
Lave Michael, the chief inspector of the mine, said an investigation two days after the mud leak found four major defects that must be remedied to avoid a similar disaster in the future. These deficiencies are inadequate capacity of operators, inadequate barrier capacity, inadequate spill containment systems; and inadequate maintenance of instruments and machinery. Michael Lave said an immediate concern was the spillage of acid mud in the controlled area, which was endangering the environment and people and their livelihoods. He said the company had not been able to fully address the issues uncovered during the investigation, despite having had enough time.
In August, a Compan buffer tank inside the Basamuk plant site overflowed about 200,000 liters of raw mud. Mud overflow caused discoloration of seawater. Locals have linked it to a number of health problems, and the provincial government of Madang has temporarily banned fishing and eating fish.
Mines Minister Johnson Tuke said Ramu NiCo had breached Papua New Guinea's environmental and safety laws. He reiterated that the course of action taken by the Inspectorate was in line with the Mining and Security Act. He said that as minister of mining, he expected all companies to fully comply with the country's laws. He commended the Inspection Division for its due diligence to ensure that similar incidents did not recur in the future.
Source: SMM Classification: Nickel Information
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