Bauxite mining gets green signal in Bua, Fiji

Another landowning unit in Bua has given its consent for bauxite mining on its piece of land, 500 metres from the existing mining area in Nawailevu.

This will be the second mining area in the province of Bua on Vanua Levu.

Members of the mataqali Naita from the village of Votua in the district of Lekutu agreed to have their land used for bauxite mining citing growth in development opportunities.

Mataqali spokesman Tevita Raiova said such a development would greatly benefit the landowners and the people nearby.

"The members have already given their consent to the bauxite company and we are looking forward to a new chapter in life," Mr Raiova said.

"This will mean employment opportunities for our people and more developments for the whole of Bua province.

Xinfa Aurum Exploration Fiji executive Derek Qiu yesterday confirmed that the members of the landowning unit agreed to give their land.

He said the piece of land was 500 metres away from the existing bauxite mining site at Nawailevu.

Acting commissioner Northern Alipate Bolalevu said they were yet to receive the consent letter from the mataqali.

However, he said the proposed development would not only benefit the Bua province but the Northern economy as a whole.

"When this development eventuates, we only hope that the landowners maintain it for the benefit of their future generation."