Site includes former
Mt Kasi mine, $13.2m investment plans
Newcrest country manager, Greg Morris. Photo: RACHNA LAL
By RACHNA LAL
Newcrest Exploration (Fiji) Limited has been given an approval for granting of exploration licence for an area that includes the site of the former Mt Kasi mine.
This is in Cakaudrove Province in Vanua Levu.
Director Mineral Resources, Malakai Finau, confirmed this.
Mr Finau said the licence is for a period of three years from December 2013 and for the exploration of precious and metalliferous minerals.
“The grant was based on a tender process,” he said.
Mr Finau has emphasised there is no mining yet in the area as it is in the mineral exploration phase for the moment.
He further added whilst there’s no need for an environmental impact assessment study at the moment, an Environment Baseline Study will be conducted prior to actual exploration work.
Newcrest country manager, Greg Morris, said they have been formally advised by the Mineral Resource Department of its intention to grant this special prospecting licence.
He revealed plans for expenditure over the three year exploration period to be FJ$13.2 million.
Newcrest is also a joint venture partner in the Namosi Joint Venture.
Mt Kasi mine is in the Cakaudrove Province near Savusavu. It is one of the oldest gold mine in the country.
Legacy factor talks
Mr Morris, however said, Newcrest is in discussions with the Mineral Resources Department in respect to the conditions to be attached to the special prospecting licence.
“This includes the treatment of the historical legacy issues associated with the previous mining operations and related infrastructure,” Mr Morris said.
“Newcrest will continue to work with the Government to ensure all historical legacy issues are fully understood prior to commencing any exploration activities.”
Mr Morris said following the successful completion of these discussions and potentially some on the ground studies to assess historical legacy issues, exploration activities can then commence.
“This will also include community engagement, environmental baseline studies, geological mapping and geophysical survey in preparation for drilling,” he said.
Commitment and goals
Mr Morris highlighted the exploration area includes the site of the former Mt Kasi mine, and the wider region is considered to have good opportunities for the discovery of gold.
“A special prospecting licence will allow Newcrest to conduct exploration activities only. It does not involve reopening the Mt Kasi mine,” he said.
“Newcrest’s long term goal is to find enough gold to sustain a long-life mining operation in the region.”
Consultations
Mr Morris said initial discussions have previously been held with landowners and other key stakeholders about the proposed exploration.
“Newcrest attended a Government-initiated meeting in May 2013 with landowners and the local community to provide an overview of Newcrest’s proposed exploration programme,” he said.
“Further consultations with landowners are planned prior to the start of the exploration programme.”
Mr Morris said Newcrest expects to employ a small number of local people to assist with the exploration and associated environmental programme.
“Local service providers and suppliers will also be used wherever possible,” he said.