19 Sep 2012

Mining project in Fiji gets the green light

3:41 pm on 19 September 2012

The Fiji interim government has given the green light to the Namosi joint venture mine project.

The venture, a partnership between the Australian mining company Newcrest and Japanese interests, intends mining for copper and gold near Suva.

The Fiji Ministry of Information says the interim Prime Minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, made the decision after environmental concerns raised by landowners earlier this year were sorted.

It says the Tikina Namosi Landowners Committee and the joint venture partners have being working together to address the issues.

The government says it is pleased the mine's operators are committed to the rehabilitation works, and the new initiatives that have been introduced which demand more consistent dialogue with government.