Millions to be raked in from bauxite in northern Fiji

　　Millions of dollars will be raked in from bauxite in northern Fiji as the first bauxite shipment is expected to be exported from the region soon, a government official said Tuesday.

　　Malakai Finau, director of Lands and Mineral Resources, told media that the first shipment of bauxite mine at Nawailevu in northern province of Bua is projected to be sent to China soon and millions of dollars will be raked in from expected 12 shipments annually.

　　The Chinese-run Aurum Exploration (Fiji) Limited is the first company to mine bauxite in Fiji.

　　Mine manager Basilio Vanuaca told media that the company had spent 34 million Fiji dollars (19.4 million US dollars) to set up operations in Bua, including social obligations, education, church and employment.

　　Employment opportunities would also increase as the company moved into other mining areas in the Northern Division, he added.

　　It was reported that the Fijian government has already made known the discovery of bauxite in the districts of Nasarawaqa and Wainunu in Bua.

　　Commissioner Northern Lieutenant Colonel Ilai Moceica informed the Northern Development Board meeting this year about plans by the government to develop a bauxite mine at Nasarawaqa and Wainunu.

　　The fruition of the plans would economically empower rural dwellers, he said.