13 May 2010

Newcrest's Fiji Ltd's managed Namosi Joint Venture brushes aside mine rumours

10:55 am on 13 May 2010

Newcrest's Fiji Ltd's managed Namosi Joint Venture has brushed aside reports that it has established a mine in the province saying work is still in the exploration stage.

The Fiji Times reports the company, exploring for gold and copper deposits in Namosi province, has also brushed aside reports that there were differences with some landowner representatives.

Country manager, David Boyd, says contrary to impressions created in some reports there was no mine yet at Namosi and the company was following all regulations and procedures.

The mining company and landowning units met officials from the Lands and Mineral Resources Ministry, the Military Council, the Namosi Copper Mining Company and Namosi landowners to discuss concerns.

Landowners highlighted their concerns on the mine's impact on the environment.