May 13, 2011 03:45:09 PM
The Aurum Exploration Fiji Limited Company is expected to export one million tonnes of bauxite minerals in its first two years worth around USD$20 million.
This would also bring FJD$5m of loyalty and lease income for Fiji as well as jobs for the local people of Nawailevu, Bua.
Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Dr Han Zhiqiang made the comments at the awarding of the Bauxite Mining lease to the company.
In handing the mining license to Aurum, Prime Minister and Minister for Land & Mineral Resources, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the mine would provide significant returns for the people of Fiji.
“The mining industry has the potential to equal our sugar industry and tourism sector.”
He also said the lease of the land under the 2010 land use decree and 2011 Land use Regulations would provide more benefits to both the land owners and the mining company.
Also Dr Han Zhiqiang said the signing of the lease would be beneficial for Fiji.
“The successful startup of Xinfua Bauxite project has just proved to be a win-win example of bilateral cooperation.”
“It will not only bring a steady flow of raw material for Xinfa, but will also generate enormous benefit for the people of Fiji.”
He said they would commit to working with the government and the local people.
“In receiving the mining license today, we wish to say here that we take very seriously the trust and confidence of your government.”
“We will ensure that we will do things according to the requirements set out by the government and that we will involve the landowners in whatever way we can.
Meanwhile Basilio Vanuaca of the mining company added that the land owners would benefit as the company planned to build a 600m jetty and also widen and develop the local roads for use by the mine.
He added the soil containing bauxite would be shipped overseas for refining as Fiji did not have the capacity to extract the bauxite from the soil.
By Tevita Vuibau
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=171267
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