Full investigations into the Vatukoula Gold Mine incident causing the death of a miner last week are yet to be completed.

FBC reported that the Permanent Secretary for Mineral Resources Malakai Finau confirmed pre­liminary investigations had been completed.

Director Mineral Development Raijeli Taga said the full investigations were pending until Police completed their report on the matter.

Acting Director Mineral Development Apete Soro said the matter was with the Board of In­quiry at the moment and they would not comment any further. The incident occurred on May 2 when Avinesh Ram, 38, is alleged to have died in one of the mine’s underground shafts.

Vatukoula Emergency Service Teams and senior personnel worked through that day and into the night to retrieve Mr Ram from the area into which he is alleged to have slipped.

Mr Ram was a team leader at the mine and a resi­dent of Toko, Tavua.

Family members of the late Mr Ram gathered at their residence in Tavua on Saturday for the fu­neral. Edited by Epineri Vula

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