Landowners receive $700,000 for Tuvatu Gold Mine lease

The Mataqali Nacokula of Natawa village and the Mataqali Nabouwalu of Korobebe in Nadi have received $700,000 as a premium payment after a 21 year lease was granted to the Canadian company Lion One Metal Limited for the Tuvatu Gold Mine.

Leader of the Mataqali Nacokula, Milika Sura who owns majority of the mining land said they have received the largest share of the money.

She said they have used part of the money to purchase a vehicle that will be used for the transportation of mine workers.

Sura said they have also saved some money for their future generations.

Leader of the Mataqali Nabouwalu, Apisai Ciriwai who owns a portion of the land said they have equally distributed the money to its members.

Both the landowning units have certain conditions with the mining company which includes employment, education assistance, and assistance toward the two villages.

Lion One Metals Limited has announced that it has been granted a Special Mining Lease for the Tuvatu Gold Mine in Nadi following an approval by the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources.

CEO Walter Berukoff said this mining license provides them the exclusive rights to the potential development, construction, and operation of mining, processing, and waste management infrastructure at Tuvatu and the surrounding lease area.

The mining lease area covers 373 hectares of land.