In a major turn-around for the opponents of the Chinese Ramu Nickel Mine [jointly owned by China Metallurgical Group Corp. (MCC), Jinchuan Group, Jinlin Ji’en Nickel Industry, Jiuquan Iron and Steel, Highlands Pacific, Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), Mineral Resources Madang; managed by Ramu Nico (part of MCC)] in Papua New Guinea, the Minister of Environment and Conservation ordered the company to halt work while he undertakes further studies on the environmental impacts of their tailings pipeline...Minister observed that it had been built unlawfully close to the main Madang Lae highway and that spills from the pipeline already have caused temporary road closures. Critics claim that the pipeline was poorly built and has required repair in several places. The Minister has asked environmental groups to conduct an environmental audit of the pipeline.