Source: The National

Kurumbukari mine landowners were awarded two road maintenance and a casual employment contract by Ramu NiCo on Monday.

Ramu NiCo’s president Wang Jicheng said the company would continue to deliver project memorandum of agreement (MOA) commitments and other business and employment opportunities entitled to by landowners despite the recent devastating attack on KBK mine which cost the company around US$5.06 million (K14m).

“Our obligation to the landowners under the MOA is ongoing and we are committed and happy to provide more, if and when we are able to, depending on our financial situation.”

The Landowner company Kurumbukari Ltd was awarded the contract.

A road maintenance contract will be from Ramu Bridge to new camp which is worth more than K400,000 and another contract from Overhead Tank close to KBK mine pit to Kinimati village worth more than K300,000. The casual employment contract is worth more than K32,000.

According to the contract, the company will carry road maintenance from the 8.8 kilometres road south of the Ramu Bridge to the checkpoint near the new camp and the 4.3km road to Kinimati village. The roads are part of the mine’s access road but are being used by locals.

Both road maintenance contracts are for a year but are subject to extension upon satisfactory delivery of contract. According to the contract, maintenance work will commence immediately once funds are made available.

Meanwhile, the casual employment contract will see ten locals employed by KBK Ltd and further contracted to KBK Mine site.