Works on new bauxite mine in Bua to begin next month

Twenty landowners who are members of the Mataqali Naita in Votua village and the Mataqali Naicobo in Nawailevu, Bua will be re-employed by XINFA Aurum Exploration Fiji Limited when works on the new bauxite mining site in Lekutu begins next month.

Managing Director Sireli Dagaga said fewer landowners are employed by this company as most are unskilled workers.

Dagaga said most are employed on the rehabilitation program at Nawailevu after the completion of the first bauxite mining project two months ago.

He said they have planted 35,000 pine trees as part of the rehabilitation work.

Meanwhile, another 20 year land lease has been approved to XINFA Aurum Explorations Fiji Limited for a new bauxite mining site at Votua, Lekutu in Bua.

According to Aurum Exploration Fiji Limited, 400,000 tonnes of bauxite is expected to be extracted from that piece of land which is 500 metres away from the current site at Nawailevu.

It states that the government has also extended their bauxite mining license.

Director Land Use Unit Samuela Naicegucegu said $232,000 as premium money has been paid to the Mataqali Naita of Votua village in Lekutu, Bua.

Naicegucegu said $7,000 is the land rent for a year and will be paid in the first five years subject to the review of the lease.

He added the landowners will also receive royalty money after the completion of the mining project.