GOVERNMENT POSITION ON PROPOSED NICKEL SMELTING PLANT [ Media Release 29 September 2014 ] Following a meeting last Friday between the Government and the New Caledonian Company intending to build a nickel smelter in Santo, Acting Prime Minister Ham Lini indicated the Governments interest and asked the company to formally apply to the Government to undertake the project in Santo in accordance with all necessary legal requirements. This means MKM, along with their Chinese partners Jin-Pei, must meet all VIPA requirements and ensure that they comply with all relevant environmental laws. According to the presentation, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the appropriateness of the smelter, planned to be established in one of the country’s most pristine waters near the Big Bay area in Santo. MKM have yet to lodge an application through VIPA, even though they have sought preliminary agreements from local authorities in Santo. The government wishes to stress the importance of ensuring that landowners receive maximum benefits from the refinery if it is established and that the plant does not adversely impact their environment, or compromise the lives of their future generations. It means the company, along with all relevant stakeholders will need to undertake extensive awareness in the surrounding villages to alert people to the potential risks associated with such projects. Reassurances were made during the briefing that MKM and Jin-Pei are mindful of the concerns relating to the environment and they will ensure any such impacts are minimised. However the government is not taking this at face value. MKM and Jin-Pei plan to ship low grade nickel ore from New Caledonia to Santo to be refined and then exported overseas. The Acting Prime Minister told the investors a council paper will need to be tabled by the Council of Ministers before formal approval for the project can be given. In the meantime, all responsible authorities in government are being asked to ensure they are well versed with such projects and the associated risks so that they can assist the government make an informed decision. Office of the Prime Minister Media Contact Kiery Manassah [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 06:16:19 +0000
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