Landowners of Namosi are asserting their desire for greater control over mineral resources development within their province. This demand is articulated in their submission on the draft Mineral Exploitation and Exploration Bill.
“As landowners, we recognize the potential economic benefits that mineral exploration and exploitation can bring to our country,” stated the Namosi landowners. “However, we also believe it is crucial to ensure that the interests of landowners and local communities are protected and respected throughout the process.”
The Namosi Provincial Council, echoing the views of resource owners from Navuniivi, Navitilevu, and Ra, stressed the necessity for an iTaukei draft of the legislation. They also called for 50 percent landowner approval for special prospecting licenses and mining leases, extensive consultations, and efforts to ensure landowners fully understand the nature of such projects.
After consulting with landowners and Tui Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua, and as endorsed by the Namosi Provincial Council Meeting held at the Pearl Hotel on Thursday, July 4, 2024, the province outlined several key demands:
– The Government and the investor should jointly ensure the establishment of a local facility for the inspection of ores, which will be used for examining ore samples removed from the area.
– Investors should conduct tests on ore samples at the local facility and provide results to the native land-owning unit, who shall have the right to inspect and verify the results.
– The Government should ensure that the local facility is equipped with adequate equipment and personnel to conduct thorough examinations of ore samples.
– The investor must comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to mining operations.
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