Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited ordered to pay $60,000

Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited was today ordered by the Fiji Court of Appeal to pay their former employee Josaia Lepolo $60,000 as compensation.

In June 2001, Josaia Lepolo suffered injuries after a heavy rock fell on his left leg causing a fracture and later leading to the leg being amputated.

Lautoka High Court Judge Inoke Sosefo ruled that Lepolo be paid the sum of $100,000 finding it a result of negligence on the part of the company.

Later the mining company filed an appeal on the grounds that this incident could have been avoided since the Lepolo was a trained and experienced worker.

However, the Fiji court of Appeal ruled that the mining company should pay Lepolo $60,000 as damages for pain and suffering and loss of amenities of life.

Story by: Khushboo Singh and Ronal Deo