By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The newly-commissioned project for Amex Resources will see $200 million invested in Fiji by the company.
More than 300 jobs-skilled and unskilled are also expected to be created as part of this new construction as well.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday officiated the ground breaking ceremony for the company’s Lautoka port site facilities.
Chief part of Amex Resources’ investment is the construction of a new port and ship loading facility that is specifically designed to export minerals.
The concentrate of iron sands that is dredged from the Ba Delta will be transported by barge to the Lautoka facility, where it will be processed and then exported to markets overseas.
Production is expected to increase to as high as 1.5 million tonnes per year.
Commodore Bainimarama said the Amex Resources’ mining lease for Mba Delta iron sands was granted only after careful consideration of the big picture.
This, he said, was of how the mining would impact Fiji and Fijians in a long-term.
“Altogether, the construction of these facilities, together with the purchase of a specialised marine fleet, represents a $180 million investment,” he said.
“This is in addition to the $25 million the company has already spent on exploration and other associated works.”
Not only will this project boost the Fijian economy and create jobs, it will also complement Government’s efforts to dredge the Ba delta, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of flooding during heavy rains and cyclones.
Iron sand is used to create steel and is very popular in growing economies of the world.
The construction phase of the project is expected to be completed in 18 months.
Investment welcomed
The Marama Tui Ba Adi Laite Koroirua has welcomed the investment by Amex Resources.
Adi Laite was present at the Lautoka Foreshore yesterday to be part of the official ground breaking ceremony by Prime Minister Bainimarama.
She said she had faith the mining at the Ba Delta would be undertaken without harming the environment.
Adi Laite said the news that some 300 people would be employed for this project was welcomed by all in Ba Province.
“This is a big investment and this will assist in the dredging of the Ba Delta as well. This will be beneficial for those living in those areas,” she said.