The people of Namosi will not accept any mining developments on their land regardless of whether the mining Act is reviewed or not.
Landowners’ representative, Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA) chairman Sipiriano Nariva said they would not consider any mining activities and that would be upheld by future generations.
However, in an earlier report, Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua had made his stance clear at the Great Council of Chiefs meeting that once the Act was reviewed, the province would consider deliberations on prospective developments.
“We do not support mining, even if the law is amended,” said Mr Nariva.
“We oppose mining in Namosi, and even though that is the stance taken by our chief, he is not a landowner; we are the landowners, and we are speaking as the landowners.”
He reiterated that their focus remained on sustainable development, citing concerns about the environmental damage caused by mining activities.
“That is his opinion, personal stance, that mining can go forward if the law is changed, but we do not support it. We as landowners, we as LAMA, are of that opinion. No mining at all because it damages the environment.”
Asked if there was any sort of miscommunication between the landowners and their chief, Mr Nariva said, the Tui Namosi was aware that they prefer sustainable development instead of mining or hydro projects.
“There’s probably a miscommunication, but Tui Namosi is very aware that we are not supportive of the Namosi mining project, and likewise the people are not supportive of the hydro project.
“Whether there is miscommunication, or they have chosen to ignore the voices of the landowners, that is the stance that they have taken, but for us, we do not want mining; we do not want the hydro project.
“Even if the mining law is changed, we are still of the stance that we do not want mining.”
