In 1978, the Fiji Government announced it was going to take over the Emperor Gold Mining Company.
This caused striking mineworkers to decide to return to work the following week.
According to The Fiji Times on January 19, 1978 , the Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, flew to Vatukoula especially to make the announcement at a mineworkers’ meeting.
He assured that mineworkers were free to remain in their company-owned houses while a team of consultants from the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation did a thorough assessment of the mine.
After a short meeting with officials of the company, Ratu Sir Kamisese told reporters: “Government wishes to acquire the mine.
The company is willing to negotiate for its transfer. The Government is willing to pay a fair price.”
“The mineworkers have agreed to restart the mine as soon as possible while negotiations go on for the transfer of the mine.”
Both parties were to reappoint negotiators who would hold a series of formal meetings. Ratu Sir Kamisese said the Government would be responsible for compensation of any staff whose employment it terminated after a takeover.
He said the last assessment made by the company several years prior indicated the mine was capable of running for another 20 years but the Government would nevertheless step up efforts to attract more industries to Vatukoula.
Ratu Sir Kamisese said the time span of acquisition of the mine could be negotiated.
He said the 700 dismissed workers who were to begin work with the Fiji Pine Commission and in New Zealand would still do so.
“I assume that everything will go on as normal from now on and we would like to carry on the organization as usual except that it will be under different ownership,” he said.
Ratu Sir Kamisese disclosed also that Government had commissioned Fred Watson, a former manager of the mine, to conduct a quick survey of the mines immediately.
The Government spokesman said the directors of the EGMC had undertaken to give experts all the help available.
The secretary of the union, Navitalai Raqona welcomed the move by saying he was the “happiest man in Fiji” and said the striking mineworkers would return to work.
More than 1200 Vatukoula people at the union meeting raised a rousing cheer when the PM told them of the Government’s decision.
A Government decision for nationalization was widely rumoured since late 1977 following EGM’s decision to lay off hundreds of men as an economic measure.
Vatukoula people thronged the roads or sat in the strike camp with Mr Raqona digesting the Government announcement and talking of the future.
