More mineral sites found at Bua, Fiji

More bauxite deposits have been identified in Vanua Levu says director for Mineral Resources Department, Malakai Finau.

Mr Finau said there were other sites which were being explored for deposits of the mineral.

"Some of the exploration sites that are being earmarked are in Nasarawaqa, Wainunu, Lekutu in Bua," he said.

"This promising news will mean a boost for economies in the Vanua Levu and the North as a whole. We are eager to exploit for minerals as MRD will ensure that the processes followed will not have a degrading effect on the environment."

The mataqali Naita from the village of Votua in the district of Lekutu is the second mining area identified in the province of Bua on Vanua Levu.

Mataqali spokesman Tevita Raiova said such a development would greatly benefit the landowners and the people nearby.

"The members have already given their consent to the bauxite company and we are looking forward to a new chapter in life," Mr Raiova said.

Acting commissioner Northern Alipate Bolalevu said they were yet to receive the consent letter from the mataqali. However, he said the proposed development would not only benefit the Bua Province but the northern economy as a whole.

"This is another economic activity that will surely boost the northern economy and we are thankful to the landowners for having this insight," he said.