Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Faiyaz Koya says the safety of workers at Vatukoula Gold Mine is most important and the timeline for the completion of the audit needs to be thoroughly planned.
Underground operations at the Vatukoula Gold Mine were shut down last week after a fatality and two lost time injuries.
He told the parliamentarians that the entire process will be strictly monitored by the Inspectors of Mineral Resources Department to ensure all procedures and processes are completed in the required manner.
Koya says a team has been sent underground to check on the safety on ventilation, slopes and height of rock faces and supporting props and pillars for roofs and walls of work areas.
He says any area that is deemed unsafe working areas will be closed off until the company completes all rehabilitation processes and the re-entry plans are ready and safe to be executed.
The Minister says while the procedures are being undertaken, the Vatukoula Gold Mine Limited has given a commitment that they will continue paying salary during the period of stop work.
He says the company has paid compensation for fatalities and also has subsidized the health insurance for workers.
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