Tuvatu Gold Mine | Dig with ‘much care’, says Minister

“HAVING been part of our Fiji family since 2008, you have been given keys to one of Fiji’s valuable resources. Do treat it with much care.”
This was the plea by acting Lands Minister Maciu Nalumisa to the Tuvatu Gold Mine management at the company’s celebration of its “first gold pour” in the Sabeto highlands, Nadi, yesterday.
The event, witnessed by 500 traditional landowners, marked the commercial beginning of the multi-million-dollar investment.
“Dig as you would in your own backyard ensuring that all proper procedures and protocols are always maintained from mining to the disposal of waste material,” the minister said.
“Even with an approved Environmental Impact Assessment (report), a great responsibility remains on the company to ensure minimal damage to the environment and the implementation of proven best rehabilitation strategies where such work may be required.
“We want to ensure we leave our environment better than we found it so that our future generations will continue to enjoy it in line with our vision of ensuring all developments attain environment, social and economic balance.”
Mr Nalumisa said Lion One Metals Ltd had proven its commitment to Fiji with the level of investment made to develop a modern narrow-vein gold mine in the country.
He said this came with its strong focus on safety and the environment, ensuring a small mining footprint, a tailings storage facility built to Australian and Canadian standards, a solar plant that reduced emissions on mining development, a processing plant, a new core shed and drilling yard, first-class facilities in the mine change room, high-speed internet and world-class laboratory.
“I am impressed by Lion One’s investment in its solar plant as this will reduce its carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emission.
“I must say that the Fiji mining sector has a role to play in fighting climate change.
“In addition, I’m informed that Lion One is providing more than 400 jobs which indirectly scales up to 2400 jobs.”
The minister said the venture was a big boost to a small island developing state’s economy and more so for Fiji’s long-term economic development and stability