Ramu NiCo the operator of the only nickel and cobalt mine in Madang Province and its Business partner Mapai Transport Logistics Limited has taken a bold step to work closely with the Madang Department of Works (DOW), to build proper temporary by-passes and new bridges for the two collapsed bridges along the Bruce Jeffcott highway in Madang.
Despite being a national highway that directly falls within the capacity of the National Government’s Works Department, the Ramu Nickel mine and its Business Partner Mapai Transport showed interest to help fix the lifeline for Madang connecting the road network between Morobe and the Highlands provinces of Papua New Guinea.
On the 14th of this month, Ramu NiCo donated financial assistance to Madang DOW to contain and construct a temporary bypass for highway users. The temporary bypasses are expected to be completed on Saturday 17th or 18th of January.
Meanwhile, the Madang DOW civil engineers will work on the construction of the new bridges that will take two to three months to complete.
Ramu NiCo also sent its engineers to inspect and provide advices to the contractor contracted by the Madang DOW and Joint Venture Contractors who are currently assisting engineers from the Department of Works on both Yanema and Omea bridges since they collapsed 08 January.
The Company also deployed an excavator to carry out work on the concrete protection foundation in front of two other dangerous bridges on the side closer to the mine, specifically at the Yakumbu Bridge.
Madang DOW Manager Mr. John Kora said the funding support from a mining company in Madang is a clear indication that Ramu NiCo is a company that always put priority to the wellbeing of Madang Province when situations like this arise.
Mr Kora said his office is working closely with Ramu NiCo and its business partner (MAPAI Transport Losgistics) to have the two bridges ready for the highway to access.
Mapai Transport Logistics Manager Mr. Robin Steven also agreed to transport the materials for the new Yanema Bridge from Lae free of charge (FOC) to the site for the construction to commence.
Ramu NiCo has already delivered two 1.5 culverts at a diameter of 1.2 meters which were used to install at Yanema river to create a bypass. It is now engineering the wet crossing at Omea bridge collapsed site.
The unwavering support from Ramu NiCo and its Business Partner, Mapai Transport Logistics is an indication of supports to communities and engagement that the mine has been effecting in the province since its construction in 2006 and continued after the full production of the mine in 2012.
In March 2024, Ramu NiCo also assisted in the construction of a temporary by-pass for Dumpu Bridge that was washed away during a heavy flooding in the area. Despite being a national highway, Ramu NiCo has stepped in as a true corporate citizen of Madang and Papua New Guinea, connecting the veins of Madang’s economic lifeline.
Ramu NiCo remains committed to help nature Madang in terms of development, employment opportunities, training and development, education, health and infrastructure, agriculture services that the government’s hands cannot reach in time.
RNML Legal Officer Dika Wari ( left ), RNML VP Meng Deyong, Madang Provincial Works Manager John Kora and Mapai Transport Logistics Manager Robin Steven ( right ) during the presentation of the funding assistance on the 14th of January 2026 at RNML Head Office in Madang town.