Lion One Metals, set to become the premier high grade gold producer in Fiji, has invested $200 million in the local economy and is well on its journey to generating revenue.
In its first significant gold pour at the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Mine in the Sabeto, Nadi highlands this week, company chief operating officer Patrick Hickey announced they had moved from construction to operations with major developments to unfold as business kicks off at the mines.
“This is now going to be Fiji’s next operating gold mine,” Mr Hickey said.
“We now have a fully operational team and we also have a gold lab that is now operating 24-7 at production levels that are four times from what they were before.
“This gold lab, by the way, will be fully internationally accredited next month and is becoming the envy of the South Pacific.”
Following the granting of its lease extension in August last year, Mr Hickey explained they were able to demonstrate to investors that this was a serious property and the international investors put a significant amount of money up to allow this mine to be built.
He informed as many as 500 landowners and stakeholders that this milestone achievement also demonstrated the tremendous support the Fiji Government had for both Lion One Metals and the mining industry.
“We now have approximately 400 local people employed and plan to at about this level for the next year.
“Wally has always had a goal of having a majority workforce as locals – we have achieved that and will continue to focus on developing the local skill base.
“Job creation has a direct supply chain employment multiplier effect in the communities which will have a notable impact in helping to keep the Fijian economy growing and diversified.”
Mr Hickey aid the Tuvatu Gold Mine would continue to stimulate local commerce by purchasing local supplies and materials.
He also explained that their lease fee payments, taxes and eventually royalties would directly compensate local landowners and the Government for the use of their lands.
“We will continue our efforts to provide skills training to our workforce to ensure that local Fijians have opportunities to be gainfully employed and have the ability for the domestic market as well as international labour mobility in the mining sector.
“Every mine has challenges. This one will be no different and nothing is easy.
“If we are to succeed here, we will need the continued un-biased cooperation and support of the Mineral Resources Department, the Government, the communities, the landowners and our employees.”
Mr Hickey also acknowledged their employees, who go into the underground, show up at the mill, go to the office and the site and show up every day to make things happen.
