abusesaffiliationarrow-downarrow-leftarrow-rightarrow-upattack-typeburgerchevron-downchevron-leftchevron-rightchevron-upClock iconclosedeletedevelopment-povertydiscriminationdollardownloademailenvironmentexternal-linkfacebookfiltergenderglobegroupshealthC4067174-3DD9-4B9E-AD64-284FDAAE6338@1xinformation-outlineinformationinstagraminvestment-trade-globalisationissueslabourlanguagesShapeCombined Shapeline, chart, up, arrow, graphLinkedInlocationmap-pinminusnewsorganisationotheroverviewpluspreviewArtboard 185profilerefreshIconnewssearchsecurityPathStock downStock steadyStock uptagticktooltiptwitteruniversalityweb

Cette page n’est pas disponible en Français et est affichée en English

Article

30 Oct 2019

Auteur:
Benjamin Robinson-Drawbridge, Radio New Zealand

Locals voice concern as Ramu mine reopens after toxic slurry spill

"Controversial PNG mine reopens but locals unhappy", 30 October 2019. 

The controversial Ramu nickel mine in Papua New Guine[a]…is back in operation after being closed following a [toxic] slurry spill…[of] [t]wo hundred thousand litres…into the ocean in August from the mine's Basamuk refinery…[T]he Mineral Resource Authority…granted permission for the mine to resume operations,…less than a week after being shut down,…[saying] the miner had rectified defects and put in place measures to ensure any water from the processing plant was captured and pumped into its…treatment facility.

A fishing ban remains…locals [reporting] large marine mammals and fish had washed up dead...Rai Coast locals were struggling without sustenance from the ocean, Ms Dawo [(community health worker)] said. “[P]eopled are suffering…no fish to eat…our main source of protein…”. [N]ayak [(from Saidor)] said fishermen were [also] out of pocket…“People are scared”. The area has been declared safe for swimming but Ms Dawo said fear…persisted after children developed skin irritations…“Three young girls went diving in the sea…Later on blisters formed on their skin."

The mine is operated by MCC (Metallurgical Corporation of China) and majority owned by MCC Ramu NiCo Ltd, which [said] it was grateful to the mining authority for its guidance to rectify faults and for allowing it to resume operations…“[this] demonstrates the trust they have in us…Ramu…is a reputable investor…and remains committed to share the benefits from the project with every stakeholder…"

Mr Nayak said…“…people were so scared and shouting 'government has to put a stop to this mining'. It has brought nothing, no development to the locals…this company is one of the greediest…”.

Chronologie