The tender award for mineral exploration at Mt Kasi, Vanua Levu, is being reviewed.

Permanent secretary, Raijeli Taga, said the Mt Kasi tender was subject to redress by a company that was not successful in the initial bid.

Ms Taga said: “The Mt Kasi Tender Assessment Committee, appointed by the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, is finalising the assessment of the award of the tender given that an appeal was lodged by an unsuccessful bidder subsequent to the committee’s recommendation for the initial award of the tender.

“The ministry will provide an update to the media once this process is completed, and the minister has decided on the recommendations of the committee.”

SunBiz was told: “It wasn’t so much an objection as it was a redress for the department to have a second look at the tender application put in by the unsuccessful bidder.”

SunBiz earlier reported the successful Chinese-owned Vatukoula Gold Mines had won the Mt Kasi tender.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Jone Usamate, said landowners at Mt Kasi had raised concern over the tender.

Ding Jin Mining
Meanwhile, objection was registered with the department, against the awarding of a special prospecting licence to Ding Jin Mining Pte Limited.

Ding Jin Mining has applied for special prospecting licences for tenements in Rakiraki and Vuda .

The Department of Mineral Resources received an objection for Rakiraki after an advertisement on the notice of application and 30- days objection period.

At Least Seven Licences
Acting director, Mineral Department, Raymond Mohammed, is expected to issue a statement to address the matter.

Ding Jin Mining local agent, John Nong, were unsuccessful.

For 2021, the Mineral Resources Department expects to issue at least seven prospecting licences, predominantly for gold exploration, if requirements are met.

Some of the seven are for areas that include Mt Kasi, Vuda, Sabeto, Rakiraki and Nakauvadra prospects.

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