Students from schools in Port Moresby discovered Ramu NiCo’s Unique Contributions to Community Development when they visited the Ramu NiCo booth during the PNGCORE Resource Week’s two-day event from 17th – 18th of July 2026.
Many were amazed to learn that Ramu NiCo is not only the only nickel mining company in Papua New Guinea but also the largest Chinese investment in the Southern Hemisphere.
As students engaged with representatives from Ramu NiCo, they discovered the company’s commitment to community development and employee training, which sets it apart from other mining operations.
Highlights of Ramu NiCo’s initiatives include the establishment of the largest cocoa nursery in the country, which aims to bolster local agriculture and provide LONG-TERM sustainable income for communities.
Additionally, students were intrigued by Ramu NiCo’s innovative Juncao program, a method that cultivates large mushrooms and promotes sustainable farming practices initiated by Ramu NiCo for landowners to sustain themselves after the mine’s lifespan lapsed.
This approach not only enhances food security but also provides an alternative source of incomes.
Perhaps most notably, Ramu NiCo has developed a community learning centre specifically designed for women, providing life skills training and education and empowerment for those who have missed out in formal education.
The community learning centre has become hope for many women, providing them with the skills and knowledge to improve their livelihoods.
The students also learnt that Ramu NiCo shares its royalties with 19 LLGs in Madang, proud sponsor of the Madang Football Club for the national football challenge and makes sure basic medicines like Panadol, amoxicillin and mala 1 does not run out in aid posts located in the mine’s foot prints.
Ramu NiCo’s commitment to community development extends to its infrastructure projects, including construction of a world class bridge across one of Papua New Guinea’s five major rivers which is the Banu Bridge across Ramu River.
This ground-breaking initiative is a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting local communities and ensuring their voices are heard. The enthusiasm and curiosity displayed by the students during their visit reflect a growing awareness of the potential positive impact that mining companies can have on local communities.
As they left the booth, many students expressed admiration for Ramu NiCo’s unique approaches and operations.
As Ramu NiCo continues to operate in Papua New Guinea, its focus on community engagement and development promises to create a lasting legacy that extends far beyond the mining sector, inspiring future generations to seek innovative solutions to local challenges.
