The company wanting to mine copper and gold near Suva in Fiji has told the provincial council that it will need to finish an Environment Impact Assessment report before a mine can be built at Waisoi.
The Namosi Joint Venture, a partnership between the Australian mining company Newcrest and Japanese interests, has drawn some strong opposition from Namosi and Naitisiri landowners.
As a result the interim prime minister Commodore Frank Bainimarama put exploratory work on hold earlier this year.
According to Fiji Village, the general manager of the venture, Greg Morris, told the Namosi Provincial Council meeting that the company will have to complete its exploration studies and Environment Impact Assessment report for the government and community for approval before a final decision on the mine.
Mr Morris also told the meeting that 2,000 jobs will be created if the mine goes ahead.
