15 Aug 2011

Greenpeace concerned Fiji landowners not properly consulted on proposed mine

2:15 pm on 15 August 2011

Greenpeace is concerned that landowners in Fiji will not be properly consulted about a proposed mine near Suva.

A final decision on whether the potentially huge copper mine development will go ahead is still a year away, but the Pacific Political Advisor for Greenpeace Australia Pacific, Seni Nabou, says the mining company is not doing enough to keep the public informed.

Ms Nabou says landowners are often consulted at the eleventh hour.

"We understand that there are three public meetings scheduled for this week - one in Namosi, another at the Nausori Catholic Church, and one in Suva town. If that's an indication of the depth of consultation then I think people need to be worried."

Environmental Impact Assessment studies have to be conducted before the mine can be built.

The Namosi Joint Venture between Australian mining company Newcrest, Japan's Nittetsu Mining Company and Mitsubishi Materials Corporation which is proposing the development declined to be interviewed.