A MULTI-MILLION dollar copper mining project in Fiji’s interior has been forced to quit after years of sustained, organised pressure by landowners.
It is understood that Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) has informed the Namosi Provincial Council of its intention to leave in June.
Landowners have voiced their objection to a special prospecting licence needed by NJV to continue exploratory work in the Namosi hills.
This marks the end of over a decade of landowner opposition to the project despite attempts by the Bainimarama government to use military and police units to force intimidate villagers.
Newmont Corporation, in partnership with Mitsubishi Materials Corporation and Nittetsu Mining Company of Japan, had proposed to build the largest open cut mine in the Pacific in the interior of Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu.
Landowners raised their initial concerns over the way in which the mine proposed to store tailings or waste from the facility. Studies showed that any spillage from the tailings facility could affect at least three major waterways and the sea.
The end of Newmont’s involvement means that lease payments to several landowning units amounting to hundreds of thousand of dollars will cease.
However, landowners have taken anticipatory steps, including the creation of village-based eco-tourist accommodation and activities.
