More than 100 new jobs have been created since the inception of the Namosi Joint Venture copper mine exploration project in 2008.
NJV Country Manager Greg Morris said with 2 camp sites currently set up in Wainikatama and Waisoi in Namosi, 130 people are based there working 24 hours looking after the sites.
He said 85% of these workers are locals.
According to Morris they are targeting to employ at least 3,000 people with 2,000 during the construction of the mine and 1,000 during the mining operations if the go ahead for mining is given.
Fijivillage today visited the proposed NJV copper mine in the interior of Namosi and witnessed drilling stations set up.
Morris confirmed that they are still in the process of environmental assessments.
He said once government approves the mining project, they will construct the mine which will cost 2 billion dollars with operations to last 25 to 40 years.
He added that he cannot confirm at the moment how much money will be pumped into the economy when the copper mine starts.
However the Lands Ministry had earlier said that the copper in the area may result in exports totalling 1 billion dollars a year over the next 20 years.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso
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NJV targets 3000 employment
