Navitilevu Bay Landowners Warn Developers To Stay Off Ancestral Land
“Re-examining the email trail and clarifying the tenement map that was last updated on March 31, 2023, as displayed on the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources website, the company is still highlighted in the tenement map,” she said.
Tuesday 19 March 2024 | 11:01
Navitilevu Bay, Rakiraki, where landowners are resolute to stop attempts for mineral resource exploration.
Landowners of a magnetite site have called on authorities to lay off development plans.
In an email to Mineral Resources Department, landowner Milika Baukitoga Naulumatua asked for clarification over why their land was still included in the mapped area of exploration.
“Re-examining the email trail and clarifying the tenement map that was last updated on March 31, 2023, as displayed on the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources website, the company is still highlighted in the tenement map,” she said.
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It followed a petition signed by 400 claimants to the land, who objected to development on what they referred to as their sacred ground.
Ms Naulumatua shared correspondences between her and stakeholders where she was assured the previous investor had moved on to other interests.
“But the area is still highlighted.
“The late acting director mines, Raymond Mohammed, confirmed that Si Yuan Investment PTE Limited has shifted its focus to other investment opportunities.
“I am puzzled.”
Need For Accuracy
Ms Naulumatua called for accuracy and reliability of information presented on Mineral Resources Department website.
“The firm stance of the vanua Navitilevu community regarding exploration and extraction activities within our lands, which include the forests and the ocean, with an unequivocally and resounding no to both exploration and extraction projects.
“The vanua Navitilevu community holds deep reverence for our land, culture, and heritage, and we are determined to protect these for future generations.
“We believe that any exploration or extraction activities pose a significant threat to our environment, livelihoods, and way of life.
“We oppose any such projects within our territory.”
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo and permanent secretary Raijeli Taga are in New Caledonia for the 1st Platform on Deep Sea Knowledge and Governance in the Pacific.
Newly appointed director minerals Josefa Vuniamatana did to respond to queries.
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