Ramu Nickel Independent Audit of Operations

Background

Client: Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) and Ramu NiCo

BMT was commissioned by the CEPA and Ramu NiCo to conduct an independent environmental audit of operations at the Ramu Nickel Mine in Madang Province, Papua New Guinea. In accordance with the terms of reference, the audit focused upon the compliance and environmental performance of Ramu NiCo against the Environment Permits and Codes of Practice; the Environmental Plan and Environmental Plan Approval; and the Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP). As part of the audit, a site visit was conducted and coveredmining, beneficiation and refining activities across the Ramu Nickel Project site and associated documentation. An audit protocol was developed using the audit criteria and formed the basis of the site audit.

Outcomes and Benefits

Based on the audit protocol and scoring system, various environmental issues and facilities were given an environmental performance score. In addition to auditing environmental performance against the OEMP and Environment Permit, an assessment was also conducted of the adequacy of the OEMP to address likely environmental impacts. This assessment focused on the management and monitoring programs of the 20 OEMP sub-plans with the intention of identifying any gaps or inadequate procedures. OEMP sub-plans ranged from biological, chemical, cultural and emergency response related disciplines. Recommendations were made regarding compliance with Environment Permit conditions and the OEMP requirements, general improvements to the OEMP expected to avoid or reduce environmental risks to a more acceptable level.

Services and Expertise Provided:

• Environmental Auditing