Resolution Expected at Fiji's Oldest Gold Mine

A resolution is expected at the country’s longest operating gold mine, after the Government met with miners and community members.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the unresolved concerns of 1991, which led to a strike at Vatukoula Gold Mines, would be addressed.

His comment followed a recent meeting between Employment minister Agni Deo Singh and Fiji Mines Workers Union at Vatukoula.

Mr Singh said the visit was to understand and resolve the outstanding matter.

“This is the beginning of many meetings and a way forward to reconcile this matter to a close,” Mr Singh said.

The Government would resolve the matter this year, Mr Rabuka said in a facebook post.

Background

In 1991, Vatukoula mine workers walked off their jobs after their concerns over poor pay and employment conditions were not met.

Riot police was sent to Vatukoula to protect the company town and evict 40-plus people who were sacked after a ourt ruling.

“We understand the sentiments, discomfort, hardships, and emotional trauma that you experienced in the last 33 years,” Mr Singh said.

In June, 2018, a petition for compensation of $US4000 (FJ$9200) per miner for every year of the strike was presented to the Government.

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