The proposed copper mine project is a blessing to the Namosi province.
Those are the words of the Tui Namosi, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua at the first day of the Namosi Provincial Council meeting.
Ratu Suliano is confident that the people of Namosi will benefit from the project in terms of employment opportunities, interacting with people from overseas, learning a lot and getting a good salary.
He also told the landowners to continue to respect the itaukei tradition and culture, and not to be swayed easily by what they see when the work begins.
The Tui Namosi is requesting Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama to have more meetings with the landowners.
Story by: Watisoni Butabua and Tokasa Rainima
2000 jobs to be created if Namosi Copper Mine construction goes ahead
Two thousand jobs will be generated if the construction of the Namosi Copper Mine goes ahead.
This has been highlighted by the Country Manager of Namosi Joint Venture, Greg Morris as he opened the Namosi Provincial Council meeting in Navua today.
Morris stressed to the provincial council members that no decision has been made to develop a mine in Waisoi.
He said that Namosi Joint Venture needs to complete the project studies and present the Environmental Impact Assessment to the community and the government for approval prior to the final decision on the mine.
He assured the council members that no cyanide or mercury would be used to produce copper concentrate from the ore.
Morris said that they currently employ 80 to 120 people at the Waisoi camp with a salary and wages bill of $1.8 million a year.
He also revealed that NJV has spent over $520,000 on its Education Assistance Programme for students from Namosi and tikina Waidina wishing to pursue tertiary education.
Morris said that they also have community and infrastructure development programs.
Namosi Joint Venture also said that $200,000 dollars has been paid to the landowners this year in accordance with an agreed Compensation Protocol which is associated with the exploration program.
Morris added that should a mine be developed, these compensation payments would be fairly negotiated with the landowners.
Morris then presented a $5,000 cheque for the Namosi Day celebrations.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Watisoni Butabua
