Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, has hinted the open consultations with landowners in Vanua Levu and Namosi before the end of this month.
These consultations aim to address ongoing issues involving the government, the Mt Kasi Gold Mine, and the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi.
Responding to questions about the government’s decision to retain the current contractor at the Mt Kasi Gold Mine, despite the landowning unit’s preference for a different company, Mr Vosarogo was firm on the government’s position, stating that discussions would be held to resolve the matter.
“The Government has made its decision, and before I have spoken to the landowners last year, I will be visiting them before the end of the month,” said Mr Vosarogo.
“This is to discuss and relay what process would follow the consultation. It’s an open consultative process.”
Mr Vosarogo added he intends to follow the same process with the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi regarding the issuance of the special prospecting license (SPL) the LOU had strongly opposed.
Mr Vosarogo said he intends to take the same procedure with the mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi about the issue of the special prospecting licence (SPL), which the LOU had strenuously opposed.
“Like I always say, these things need to be discussed and be part of a dialogue; they’ve been very strong in the opposition of the SPL being renewed.
“I’ve always taken the view that there should always be a platform where they need to talk, and I need to do that as well in this first month.
“Of course, there is opposition, but our role as ministers is to engage with them, listen to their fears, and provide answers to their fears and to allow the regulatory framework of how one gets through the process so that jobs can be generated, income can be earned, and sustained.”
