By Jyoti Pratibha
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) public consultations for the planned Tuvatu Gold Mine, Nadi,will be held next week.
Project Manager David Pals of Lion One Limited said the company was committed to developing the Tuvatu Project in the Sabeto Valley.
The area was previously explored by Emperor Gold Mines, the former operators of the Vatukoula Mine, 50 kilometres away.
Canadian minders Lion One see Tuvatu as the flagship for their Fiji mining investment.
“The intent is to apply for the Mining License in early 2013 and commence mining within a year of being granted the permit,” Mr Pals said.
About Lion One Ltd
“Lion One limited is actively engaged with our local, regional and Fiji partners.
“A joint effort between Lion One Ltd and the Fijan government is addressing access issues.
“We are in constant consultation with our local communities and we are training our staff in modern exploration techniques and preparing them for long term careers with us.”
Environment Resources Management Consultants (ERMC) has been commissioned by Lion One Ltd to conduct the EIA.
The EIA is being prepared to assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposal towards the surrounding environment and to recommend/ develop relevant mitigating measures.
This measure ensures that the mineral development is carried out in an environmental sustainable manner.
Environment study
The study is being undertaken according to the terms of references prepared by the Department of Environment as the overall approving authority for environment appraisal work for such developments Environment Management Act 2005.
Mr Pals said that Lion One Ltd. was continuing to find new areas of mineralisation in the Tuvatu Prospect.
The intent is to double the previous resource before we apply for the mining license.
Future work will include increasing our exploration footprint in Fiji in conjunction with production at Tuvatu.
“We currently have letters of interest in for other tenements on Viti Levu. This is in addition to our three tenements on Viti Levu and two in Vanua Levu.
“We are developing long-term plans for both exploration and production.
“Lion One Limited is committed to the environment and has ongoing environmental monitoring and is currently involved in an Environwmental Impact Assessment,” he said.
The first meeting would be on 12 December at Korobebe Village Hall and the next day it would be at Nagado Community Hall. The meetings start at 10am.
Members of the public are asked to be part of these public consultations and to air their views as well.
