Strong opposition from landowners in Namosi has raised significant concerns regarding the renewal of the Special Prospecting License (SPL) held by the Namosi Joint Venture for mineral exploration in the region. During a recent meeting in Namosi Village, members of the mataqali Nabukebuke expressed their strong disapproval of any exploration activities on their ancestral land, highlighting past grievances associated with extensive mineral exploration conducted over the last 50 years by various foreign companies.
Minister for Lands Filimoni Vosarogo, who attended the gathering, recognized the historical hurts and frustrations felt by the community. He acknowledged that the local sentiment has been shaped by damage from previous exploration activities, which included over 100 drill sites that led to environmental issues such as spills in rivers. Former chairman of the Tikina Namosi Landowners Committee, Josefa Tauleka, articulated the community’s longstanding discontent, emphasizing that their past experiences have led to a collective decision to reject any further mining activities.
In light of this discontent, Minister Vosarogo expressed a commitment to a new approach regarding SPL applications, emphasizing the importance of regaining trust through meaningful engagement with landowners. He noted, “There is a mandatory need for a shift on how Government approaches the issue of SPL,” and expressed hope that future discussions could pave the way toward better communication and cooperation.
Responses from local representatives highlighted the need for more inclusive dialogues that take into account the voices of all landowners represented by the Lomani Au Maroroi Au (LAMA). They emphasized that addressing the concerns of the broader community is essential for moving forward without eroding trust or infringing upon community rights.
As discussions continue, there is a glimmer of hope that these engagements could foster a more collaborative environment where both the interests of the landowners and the need for economic development can be respected. This could not only preserve the integrity of the land but also establish a precedent for future resource management that prioritizes community input and consent.
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