Transcript
Signed on the sidelines of the chaotic APEC Summit in Port Morseby in November, the memorandum or understanding between China and PNG was a relatively small item.
But the $US148 million agreement, which extends the Ramu Nickel project's refinery in Basamuk Bay, is proving to be a fiery issue for local landowners,
They are worried about further environmental damages from the project, and want the development to finally bring some infrastructure benefits for them.
The government's also concerned.
After meeting with landowners on Tuesday, PNG's Mining minister Johnson Tuke says he's raising their concerns with the company, the Metallurgical Corporation of China.
"There are some terms and conditions of the MoA might change and the treasury department are waiting on certain terms and conditions of the physical responsibilities too."
Mr Johnson says PNG needs the development and the essence of the agreement will stay the same.
But that's not enough for landowners, who are threatening to shut down the Basamuk refinery, if their demands aren't met.
The Ramu Nickel Project was controversial even before mining started in 2012, due to its deep sea tailings system.
A challenge to the tailings system by landowners ultimately failed in the PNG national court and the project went ahead.
Petitioner Kessy Sawang says locals have long been neglected by major developers in their district.
"There's really no infrastructure, there's nothing in our villages. Like, I'm a landowner, I come from Madang. And these are things like we have seen."
Ms Sawang says more than 1200 people have signed the petition so far.
They want funding for a local highway extension, for people threatened by the mine to be relocated and a 10-year tax holiday given to the developer to be reviewed.
Another demand, for an independent environmental damage assessment, was met in November.
The Post Courier reports Madang Governor Peter Yama has commissioned the assessment, saying the issues raised are "serious".
Ms Sawang says landowners are also upset they haven't been consulted on various deals the government has struck with China.
"They are very concerned because our people have not been involved in those discussions. And it's like, what's in there for us, the people, the landowners. Because we put up with a lot of these things."
Mining minister Johnson Tuke says he's confident the issues with the Ramu Nickel project can be resolved.
"As much as the company is happy using our resource, we also too must be happy. The landowners has to be happy, the government has to be happy, so in a way all the stakeholders have to be happy and create a harmonious working environment."
The petitioners have given Mr Tuke and the government until December the 19th to respond.
