We Have The Right to Know
Villagers of the tikina of Raviravi, Nadroga Navosa, want answers from the Government, after reports that unknown company Mercurius Mineral Resources Limited, was vying for a mineral exploration licence over half the Ba Province.
Saturday 01 June 2024 | 17:38
The hills on the side of the Pacific’s first green mine, owned by Lion One in Tuvatu, outside Nadi. Photo: Lion One Metals
Another group of landowners has joined in the outcry against a Government proposal to carry out mineral exploration over half the country’s most populated province.
Villagers of the tikina of Raviravi, Nadroga Navosa, want answers from the Government, after reports that unknown company Mercurius Mineral Resources Limited, was vying for a mineral exploration licence over half the Ba Province.
The area eyed for the exercise is titled Narewa.
Related stories
Buli Ratu, spokesperson of the Tikina o Raviravi of Nadroga Navosa, bemoaned the lack of consultation surrounding the rude awakening to such developments.
Villages under the tikina are Momi, Nabila, Uciwai, Vusama and Sanasana.
“We are the landowners; we have the right to know who they are,” Ms Ratu said.
“Are they a mining company?
“What are they extracting from our land?”
Ms Ratu said some projects carried out on their land was done without landowners consent.
“With projects like that, which deal with a large sums of money; mostly the investors and the government get the benefits,” she said.
“Our people are educated and fully aware of anything conducted in a deceitful way.
“This government, and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources should not give licences without landowners consent.”
Roko Tui Nadroga Navosa, Semi Kalou suggested consultation at provincial level before information was disseminated to the people, for ease of understanding.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
