The Ramu nickel cobalt project has resumed construction in Papua New Guinea following rectification of a number of health and safety issues. In July 2009 the USD 7 billion Ramu project was ordered by PNG authorities to stop construction work and to withdraw workers, pending the implementation of health and safety measures at the site. The site has this year also been the subject of violent clashes between local and Chinese elements of the workforce. The targeted annual output of the Ramu mine is 31,500tns of nickel and 3300tns of cobalt contained in high-grade concentrate over a 20 year mine life.