The MCC Ramu Nico Limited and the Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited today came together to officially ink their partnership in the undertaking of the country’s first ever Base metal down-processing survey to determine if PNG is ready to start processing raw materials into final products. Present to witness the occasion, Chinese Ambassador, H.E Zeng Fenhua stated that he was delighted to witness this signing, as this is part of one of many important messages that the Chinese President, Xi Jingping would like to convey to the people of PNG to continue to build and develop the partnership for both countries. “The MoU to be signed today is another occasion to celebrate because it marks a significant and beneficial collaboration between China and Papua New Guinea,” the Ambassador Fenhua said. He emphasized that Ramu Nico, as a large Chinese invested local company has the extensive experience in Capital Investment, project construction and international operations in multi-metal mining. The Ambassador stated that its parent company China Minmetals Corporation, possesses robust capabilities across the entire mining industry chain, which achieved a revenue of 130 billion US Dollars last year, ranking 65th in the Fortune Global 500. “Ramu Nico has successfully operated projects in PNG for over 10 years. It stands as the largest nickel-cobalt mining investment project by a chinses enterprise overseas and the most substantial Chinese investment in the south pacific to date.” Over the past decade, Ramu Nico has fostered closer ties with local communities, facilitating local economic development, creating many job opportunities, and providing stable job employment and income. H.E Fenhua stated that the MoU signed between Ramu Nico and the KMHL is a tangible outcome that implements the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries. “We just don’t talk! We take action,” he added. Prime Minister James Marape, who also was present to witness the signing of both entities expressed content over the monumental joint venture as this also coincides with the Government’s vision to expand into downstream processing of raw materials for export. The Survey is set to commence soon and will is scheduled to continue to the end of the year.