By SITERI TALEITAKI and
SERUWAIA WAQASAQA
A new bauxite site has been identified in Nabiti, Dreketi in the Northern Division by Aurum Exploration (Fiji) Limited which the company intends to develop.
Managing director, Sireli Dagaga, said Aurum Exploration (Fiji) has started research in a land known as Nabulu-East belonging to the mataqali Serau of Nabiti Village.
The project site spreads across 300 acres and is where the company believes bauxite occurs naturally.
An Environmental Impact Assessment public consultation meeting was held for the past two days in Dreketi for the identified site.
The public consultations saw concerns being raised by the landowners on the side effects of mining in the long run.
Aurum Exploration (Fiji) said around 48 households or 267 people are likely to benefit from the project.
Concerns
Speaking on behalf of the mataqali Serau of the yavusa ‘o Uluitoga, Jale Samuwai, posed several questions to Aurum Exploration (Fiji) who were present to hear their concerns on Wednesday.
Mr Samuwai asked representatives of Aurum Exploration of the risks of mining activity on their food source and water source.
He said the concerns were a result of what has been witnessed through the mining activity happening currently in Nawailevu in Bua.
“We want reassurance the mining activity in the future will not affect the food source of our generations in the future,” he said.
Another landowner, Inosi Vakabua, raised his concern over depleted marine resources in their iqoliqoli blaming bauxite as a contributing factor.
Feasibility studies
A lesser percentage of bauxite is believed to be found on the new identified site compared to the percentage of bauxite found in Nawailevu, Bua.
Geologist Maleli Naevo confirmed there will be no side-effects whatsoever on the water and food source of the people of Nabiti.
“There are no side- effects of the mining activity whatsoever in the future,” he assured.
“Mining activity will be conducted on the surface of the land mass and it is ensured that it will be done in such way that it will not affect the environment.”
Mr Maleli reassured the landowners that they will continue to enjoy their livelihood and access all food and water systems with no problems.
“The company will use convey machines and this will not compress the soil nor disturb the structure of the soil,” he said.
Aurum exploration
Mr Dagaga confirmed the Government has not issued Aurum Exploration (Fiji) any licence yet.
“The company has not been issued yet with a licence by the Government to start off the mining activity as feasibilities studies are continuing,” he said.
“Extra precautions will be taken as we understand the people of Nabulu depend on the river system for their food as well.”
As per the 2014 Constitution, Mr Dagaga highlighted the people of Nabulu would be receiving royalties as well.
“Mining activity will occur off range from where food sources are available and rehabilitation programmes will also be available,” he said.