1 May 2007

PNG officials note improved conditions at Ramu Nickel

3:15 pm on 1 May 2007

Papua New Guinea's Labour and Industrial relations department says it is satisfied that Chinese developers of the Ramu nickel cobalt mine have taken the necessary steps to improve working conditions.

In February, the department issued a directive to the Chinese Metallurgical Construction company and its contractor ENFI, that it risked being closed down because working conditions were unacceptable.

The assistant secretary for Labour and Industrial relations, Dessie Pasmaleng, says on a second visit to the site, the department noted that the company has made the necessary changes.

She says changes include building proper ablution facilities and housing for workers, and ensuring worker safety with better protection equipment being used on site.

"The Department is satisfied that minimum provisions in our legislations are now being complied with, especially those which cover conditions of employment and you know protection of rights of workers at work."

Dessie Pasmaleng says department officials are planning a third visit to the mine site in about July.