The Mineral Resources Department (MRD) says a prospecting licence application for the Nakauvadra area in Ra does not include the Nakauvadra Range.
In response to queries from this newspaper, the MRD stated it was not oblivious to the traditional significance of the Nakauvadra Range and was not naive to open up exploration within the area.
“Prospecting and mining has been ongoing in the Fiji Islands for over 80 years and there has never been any case where exploration was permitted over archeological sites that are connected with Fiji’s history,” the MRD stated.
“The department will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure preservation of such areas.”
Yesterday, spokesman for chiefs from the Ra province Napolioni Nasara told The Fiji Times they would meet next week to discuss the mining company’s application.
Mr Nasara said they were aware of the application and were against it.
“We all know the traditional and cultural value the Nakauvadra Range has for the Ra province and the chiefs will be filing their objection along these lines,” he said.
In a statement, the Social Democratic Liberal Party leader Viliame Gavoka said considering the pristine nature of forests in the Nakauvadra Range, one of the last remaining intact forest systems on Viti Levu, every effort should be made to save it.
“This includes rehabilitation of forests in the upper reaches of the 3 main rivers – Nakauvadra, Penang and the Wainibuka catchments – to maintain water quality,” he said.
“Furthermore, Nakauvadra is significant culturally, with many links to legendary takes of Fiji’s historical past.
“Dubbed the ‘highway’ for many of Fiji’s ancestors across Viti Levu, it is rich in evidence of settlements where historical events took place and origins of many of the indigenous myths and legends going back thousands of years.”
The company reportedly applied for an exploration licence for some 4463 hectares or the equivalent to 4431 football fields in the Nakauvadra area in the province of Ra.
