Director Mineral Reources, Malakai Finau (second right), and other officials from Mineral Resources Department discuss the lease extension at the Wainivesi Mine last week with Asia Pacific Resources managing director, Matthew Huggan (right). Photo: ASIA PACIFIC RESOURCES
By RACHNA LAL
The Wainivesi Mine in Tailevu has been given a temporary mining lease extension to allow the Mineral Resources Department time to complete assessment being undertaken.
The mining lease for Asia Pacific Resources Limited ended yesterday but managing director, Matthew Huggan, said they have been granted a temporary licence of between 60 to 90 days.
The company applied in February this year to have this extension granted.
Mr Huggan said they were informed that because of additional workloads over the last six months, the Mineral Resources Department staff were unable to complete the assessment of the Wainivesi mining lease extension.
“This temporary extension is a small relief, but it is still a continuation of the uncertainty around this issue and is quite worrying for investors and workers and their families,” he said.
Director Mineral Resources, Malakai Finau, confirmed assessment is being done but he could not comment until this is completed.
Director visits mine
Last Thursday, Mr Finau and his staff visited the Wainivesi Mine in North Tailevu as part of their assessment for the extension of the Mining Lease to Asia Pacific Resources.
Mr Huggan, said: “It was really good to see the director and his senior staff come to the mine because it is long since they were here last.
“There is very little investment in Tailevu and I think it is rare for them to come this side. It was a really good meeting and I felt that the director listened to us.”
Investors seek reassurance
Mr Huggan said Mr Finau had not given any firm commitment in regards to the extension of the lease.
“This continues the uncertainty weighing on the company and its investors,” he said.
“For six months now, investors have been seeking reassurance that their millions of dollars investment is safe and that the lease will be extended especially as this is an entitlement under the Mining Act.
“This is not a good situation for attracting foreign investment to Fiji as it creates uncertainty.
“So in summary, we don’t really know what is happening any more than we did six months ago.
“We can only pray that the director can see how important this project is to the nation and to the people who rely on it for their families and will do the right thing and extend the lease.”