The only Nickel and Cobalt Mine in Papua New Guinea steps out from its Exploration forefront to promote learning and research for Papua New Guinean lecturers and students.
The first MOU signing was with the Papua New Guinea University of Technology on the 16th of June, 2025 at the Ramu NiCo head office in Madang.
The second similar MoU was signed with the University of Papua New Guinea on the 29th of July 2025 to promote learning and research program of the two universities with partnership and support from Ramu NiCo.
Ramu NiCo Human Resources Deputy General Manager Mr Jeffers Teargun Heptol said in a brief statement that the mine is looking to expand its research on innovation and development of new technologies to extract low grade nickel laterite to be acceptable and marketable at the international markets.
The patent of this new technology is owned by PNG. Therefore the partnership program with PNG’s leading Universities is to expound on the new technology by carrying out more researches and developments through the establishment of the upcoming Madang Research Centre.
Also under this MoU, Ramu NiCo will sponsor up to eight (8) students in each University annually for their tuition fees. Ramu NiCo will provide industrial training and recruit these students under its graduate development program.
He said the MoU provides the avenue for lecturers and students to study and do researches. They will also have opportunities to participate in exchange programs with other partner research institutions like Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“This is all tied to our mission to be an avenue to be a mine to grow minds in PNG and the South Pacific in the fields of Environmental Science, Chemistry, Geology and Mining Engineering,” Mr Teargun said.
He said the Ramu Nickel and Cobalt project has always been a mine that looks forward to provide an avenue for students in the country to be trained and equipped with the best knowledge and skills to meet the working needs of the mines and resource industry.
