VILLAGERS of Yanawai in Dawara and surrounding communities are beginning to benefit from employment and business opportunities created by mining exploration work at Mount Kasi, Cakaudrove.
Minister for Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo said the Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited (VGML), which holds the exploration licence, had started employing people from nearby villages.
“If you visit, you will see that here are campsites to accommodate workers,” Mr Vosarogo said.
He said the project was also creating demand for accommodation and food supplies to support workers at the exploration site.
“They are presently employing villagers from within Yanawai and from surrounding villages.”
He said the activities were creating economic opportunities beyond direct employment.
“Local vegetable suppliers can also benefit from providing food and other services required by the workforce as there is also the requirement of food supply for those who are working on the exploration site.”
Mr Vosarogo said the project was already generating a positive spin-off for the local economy.
He expected more economic activities to become visible as exploration progressed.
He said the relationship between VGML and the landowning units had also improved, with the Government receiving an update that landowners were now more supportive of the project.
The mineral exploration rights for the Mount Kasi prospect were granted to VGML under Special Prospecting Licence 1519 on June 20 in 2024, for a term of three years.
