Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Limited (RNML) as an operator of the biggest Nickel and Cobalt Mine in the South Pacific and PNG has been giving equal opportunities for unemployed youths at its Kurumbukari (KBK ) mine site to also contribute to the production of the mine.

This is through the local hire program for the resource developer for unemployed youths with no specific qualification, to be trained and employed as Volvo Articulated Dump Truck (ADT) operators.

Under RNML’s Slogan of “One Ramu NiCo, One Community,” the mine has been giving equal opportunities to landowners to contribute in the production of the mine in Usino Bundi District.

RNML Heavy Equipment Operator Trainer Ivan Iroro said the Volvo ADT training program for the locals started in 2018 with arrangements by RNML Community Affairs (CA) Department and the Kurumbukari Landowners Association, for the benefit of developing their Human Resources and an income generator for their communities after the lifespan of the mine.

“Those that failed the competency tests are always asked to reapply in the next batch, for a second chance to work and build their own career,” the trainer said.

He said RNML’s aim is to get everyone in and around communities of the mine to be involved in the production as well as maintaining a good working environment for everyone to have equal opportunities.

The locals that pass all the training requirements are put on probation by the company with the help of a Field trainer to assess them while working at the mine pit.

Samson Peter a successful apprentice from 2023’s batch said through these trainings he now has all the confidence to work and provide a good life for his family back in the village.

He said the mine will come and go, but the knowledge that he has gained will last a lifetime.

“I want to thank and appreciate RNML for providing us training and employment to unfortunate youths such as myself who should be back in the village doing nothing or involved in illegal activities in the community,” Peter said.

He said their families are proud to see and know that their own flash and blood are also working and contributing to the production of the mine.  Youths like him are given this golden opportunity to learn and operate heavy equipment especially Volvo trucks.

“I am proud to work hard and contribute to meet the production target for the company in 2024,” Peter said.

Samson Peter passed his operator competency test and was assigned to a field operator for the Volvo truck with an onsite trainer.  His probation ended in October 2023 and now signed a full-time employment contract with the company and is currently working at the KBK mine site.

Samson Peter( right) with his Field Trainer Francis Kavun (Left) at RNML Mine Pit