Government has maintained its decision to award the Vatukoula Gold Mines Ltd the bid for mineral exploration.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Jone Usamate made the decision following some objections from other bidders.

In reviewing its initial decision as a result of some objections to its original decisions, Mr Usamate noted that the assessment of all applicants was criteria based, objective and thorough and that the initial award of the tender was in order.