Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya says five extensive drilling programs have been proposed by local mining companies which will increase exploration activities.
In his ministerial statement to Parliament on Monday, Mr Koya confirmed the five companies are Thunderstruck Company in Serua, Vatukoula Gold Mines Ltd in Vatukoula, Dome Mines on Ono Island in Kadavu, Kalo Exploration in Cirianiu and Matai Holdings Ltd at Udu Point on Vanua Levu.
“The Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited (VGML), our major gold-mining company, will continue to undertake mining exploration activities to ensure minable resources are available for its mining operation,” he said.
“The iron sand mining project for Ba delta is at its development state as the tenement holder Amex Resources Limited is currently developing its loading port facility in Lautoka at a total investment of $30 million (USD).
“Lion One Limited, as the holder of Tuvatu Mining lease, is also at its developing stages with late 2018 as a proposed date of production. The company is focusing on stabilising the site to set up its mine mill and is working with the ministry as well as other respective stakeholders to ensure mining commences as agreed.”
Mr Koya said the bauxite mining in the Northern Division was progressing well and in a sustainable fashion.
He also confirmed that mining operations at Nawailevu on Vanua Levu have ceased because of the exhaustion of bauxite ore on site.
“This mining licence to XINFA Aurum is currently under rehabilitation and is monitored by the ministry on a monthly basis.”
Aqela Susu | The Fiji Times | March 14, 2018
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