Mt Kasi is still an exploration project – Vosarogo

Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo confirms that there is no mining activity happening at Mount Kasi, and currently, it is an exploration project.

While responding to Opposition MP, Taito Rokomatu’s question on the progress of the Mount Kasi Mining operation, Vosarogo says mineral exploration is granted under an exploration licence, and mining is usually granted or approved under a lease.

He says Mount Kasi’s prospect was granted to Vatukoula Gold Mine PTE LTD on the 20th of June 2024 for a term of three years.

Vosarogo says Vatukoula Gold Mine was awarded the right to apply for an exploration licence after the company was rated first among seven in a competitive tender process that was done in December 2020.

He adds the company met the criteria and was identified to have technical proficiency, financial capability, and sector-wide experience to undertake what is needed.

The Minister says as part of the application they had sent to the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources in 2020, the company had proposed an exploration expenditure of $50 million for a duration of three years.

He says despite issuing the exploration licence, Vatukoula Gold Mine has not been able to commence the proposed exploration work that they had identified in their work schedule.

Vosarogo adds they are still working with the landowning unit, who are proposing the grant at the moment and are closely working with the elders of the landowning unit.

The Minister says if the mining operation in Mount Kasi commences, it would mean employment for 300 to 400 young men and women, particularly in the Wailevu area.

He says in terms of money, this is an immediate $500,000 to $600,000 for a fortnight's pay alone.

When asked by the Leader of Opposition Inia Seruiratu if the landowners were part of the initial consultation as the exploration has not started yet and if the issues landowners are raising are new, the Minister said consultation with landowners continued to happen from 2020 to 2024 after the award was granted.

He says there has been some interference by companies who were not successful in the application process in 2020, and they are trying to make sure that it does not affect the proper administration of the issuance of the license that was properly awarded in 2020.