The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has announced that it anticipates an investigation report regarding the contamination of the Sabeto River to be completed within six weeks. The investigation has been prompted by recent incidents involving the discharge of contaminated water from the Tuvatu Gold Mine, operated by Lion One Metals Ltd. This discharge has been confirmed by the company as a result of human error, leading to concerns among local residents over potential health and ecological impacts.
To address the situation, the Ministry has established a Compensation Committee comprising representatives from various government bodies, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Ministry of Fisheries, and the Ministry of Health, among others. This committee aims to oversee compensation discussions for those impacted by the incident.
Minister Filimoni Vosarogo emphasized the need for strict adherence to environmental standards within Fiji’s mining operations, asserting that any breaches—whether intentional or accidental—will result in the strongest legal penalties. He stated, “We are not here to be lenient. We are here to protect our people, our environment, and our future.”
This incident comes in the wake of discoveries of dead fish, eels, and frogs in the river, raising alarm among local communities who rely on the Sabeto River for their daily activities. Residents from nearby Korobebe Village have expressed their concerns regarding water safety and have called for more significant measures and transparency in monitoring the contamination’s effects.
Interestingly, ongoing discussions about compensation and environmental protections echo efforts from previous similar incidents, signaling a willingness among both the local communities and government bodies to enhance practices that uphold ecological integrity.
As optimism for improved environmental stewardship continues to grow, there is hope that the current situation will foster a collaborative approach between the mining company, government, and local communities, ultimately leading to enhanced safety measures and stronger regulatory compliance.
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