Ramu NiCo on December 5, 2025, officially opened a new two-in-one classroom for Igruwe Primary School, in collaboration with the Inland Pipeline Landowner Association, as part of its ongoing support for education development in Ward 17 of the Usino-Bundi District in Madang Province.
The project was funded through Ramu NiCo’s Community Development Fund (CDF), which has supported initiatives to improve living standards, education, and literacy in communities along the mine’s project footprint.
Ramu NiCo is among the mines in Papua New Guinea that has remained committed to its corporate social responsibility, delivering programs regarded as essential for community advancement and human capacity development. The success of the CDF program relies on landowner associations identifying priority initiatives across the project’s four footprint areas, which Ramu NiCo then supports through CDF funding.
This year, the company has sponsored and launched several major community projects, including the Madang Town Traffic Police Station, the Enakuai Aid Post and Medical Centre, a Cocoa MoU with the PNG Cocoa Board, and a Research and Learning Excellence Program with the University of Papua New Guinea and the Papua New Guinea University of Technology. These initiatives highlight Ramu NiCo’s role as a key partner in project and human development in Madang Province.
In late November, the company also opened a new Community Learning Centre along its coastal pipeline area, a significant initiative that is expected to partner with the Talidic Vocational School to provide personal development training for local women.
The opening of the new classroom at Igruwe marks another milestone for communities along the Lae–Madang Highway. Speaking at the event, Ramu NiCo Community Affairs Department (CA) General Manager, Mr. Eric Kuman said the new facility represents an important investment in the district’s future.
“Success begins with humble beginnings in classrooms like this. I encourage the community to embrace this opportunity and support your children to learn and contribute to the future development of Igruwe,” Mr. Kuman said.
The classroom is one of three CDF-supported projects delivered so far in Igruwe Village, with additional projects underway in surrounding communities along the Usino road.
Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited (RNML) Inland Pipeline Landowners Deputy Chairman Mr. Barnabas Kesa expressed similar sentiments, urging residents to take care of community assets such as classrooms, teacher houses, and health facilities.
“Ramu NiCo is doing its part to provide basic necessities. The next step is up to us — whether we make use of these opportunities or neglect them and continue expecting handouts,” he said.
Ward 17 Councillor and community leader Mr. Paulmai Noseria thanked RNML for its continued partnership and support where government resources fall short.
“Thank you, Ramu NiCo. I am grateful to have a development partner in the district. I have seen many projects that will soon be launched under the 2025 CDF program in partnership with the Inland Pipeline Landowner Association,” he said.
As the only nickel and cobalt operation in Madang Province, Ramu NiCo continues to demonstrate strong commitment to community support and human capacity development through its social and corporate responsibility initiatives. These programs are aimed at ensuring rural communities along the project corridor have lasting access to basic services in education, health, and agriculture.
RNML CA GM Mr. Eric Kuman (back left) and RNML Inland Pipeline Deputy Chairman (back centre) prepare to cut the ribbon for the new classroom, with Igruwe Primary School representative in front (front right)
An aerial view of the new classroom building during the opening program in Igruwe Village