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| Namosi to benefit from copper mine Oct 27, 2004, 17:00 |
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Villagers of Namosi were today reminded by the Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase that Government is adamant at seeing the proper distribution of resources and wealth for the advancement of the indigenous Fijians.
And the Prime Minister encouraged them to continue supporting the work that is currently being done at the Namosi Copper mine site because in the end they will benefit from it.
“When the copper mine will be in full operation it will heavily benefit you the landowners in terms of employment, which will lead to a better standard of living and the provision of better education to your children.
“Your province will not only benefit but also Fiji as a whole in terms of the returns the industry will bring,” Mr Qarase said.
The Prime Minister also urged the villagers to continue their support because by the time the mine will be in full operation it will be about the same time the Mining Act would have been reviewed.
“The Mining Act is being reviewed and will be adjusted to protect the landowners and ensure that they get good returns from their land used for mining.
“So, maybe it is worth the while waiting for your copper mine to operate fully,” he said.
The Japanese Company - the Nittetsu Mining Company Limited began research and exploring the ground at the Namosi Copper mine site in 2001 and have been doing to see that there is a good amount of copper ore that will be able to get the business going in terms of world market standards.
Nittetsu Company technician Mr Nagata made a presentation to the Prime Minister and his entourage on how far they have been exploring since 2001 and the benefits the mine would bring to the people of Namosi and the country and also the potential that the mine could reach in terms of it copper content.
Namosi village Turaga ni Koro (headman) Pio Vulavucu said they were excited about the prospects the copper mine is going to bring them in terms of development.
He also said he was grateful to Government for their assistance with seeing that the industry become a success and for taking the time today, to visit the copper mine site.
The Prime Minister visited the copper mine together with the Minister for Land and Mineral Resources Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Assistant Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Marieta Rigamoto, the Assistant Minister for Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Losena Salabula, the Assistant Minister for Fijian Affairs Ratu Suliano Matanitobau and the Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement Isireli Tuvuki.
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