Mineral Resources Department Acting Director, Raymond Mohammed says the mineral exploration and mining sector has proved to be resilient against the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.
Mohammed says while other industries suffered, the mineral exploration and mining sector has seen notable investments at the Vatukoula Gold Mine Limited through the sinking of a new shaft and construction of a new tailings dam.
He says Vatukoula Gold Mine Limited has maintained weekly export of gold and silver while mining continues at Amex Resources Limited as well.
Mohammed adds there are currently 8 Mining Leases, 31 Mineral Special Prospecting Licences, 2 new Special Prospecting Licences have been awarded, and 5 Special Prospecting Licence applications are currently being processed.
He further says there is 419,330.02 hectares under Special Prospecting Licence, and 6,447.81 hectares under Special Mining Lease which is equivalent to 0.35% of landmass in Fiji.
Mohammed says growth is forecast in the mineral sector through investment to upgrade the existing mines and the mineral exploration sector to have steady growth as well with high gold prices.
