The future of gold mining at Mt Kasi hinges on the support of local landowners, says Lands Minister Filimoni Vosarogo.
While the Government holds the authority to grant a Special Prospecting Licence (SPL), they are not moving forward without full community support. “The minister can decide on the special prospecting license, but we do not want to make decisions without explaining them to the people,” Mr Vosarogo said.
“I would rather have the landowners’ support.”
He made the comments when asked about delays in project commencement.
Mr Vosarogo said Mt Kasi held a major economic potential.
“Mt Kasi, when it was a mine before, employed hundreds of people.
“If the SPL becomes a mining lease, it could provide jobs for 400 to 500 people,” he said.
With job opportunities scarce in the North, the minister said the project could have wider ripple effects on the local economy.
