No Room For Short Cuts, says Bakaniceva
There is no room to cut corners in the mining and quarrying sector.
Mining and Quarrying Council chairman Netava Bakaniceva made the comment on the occasion of the council’s commemoration of Miners’ Day on Friday.
Given the high-risk nature of work and the intense capital investment involved in the mining and quarry sector, the sector could not afford short cuts, he said.
“We had planned to celebrate the occasion with a field day at Vatukoula, but that has been shelved because of the restrictions imposed through COVID-19 controls,” Mr Bakaniceva said.
All-inclusive approach
The council continues to become the voice of the industry, he said, as he called for more of an all-inclusive approach to developments in the sector.
Mr Bakaniceva said the views of individuals impacted by decisions of the industry, should be considered and addressed, in particular the natural resource owners.
The council would work closely with the Government, and stakeholders, to bring about a sustainable mining and quarrying industry fit for Fiji, he said.
Importance of mining and mineral resources in a pandemic
The council comprises 14 companies as its members, and is a member of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
Mr Bakaniceva said the COVID-19 pandemic proved the need for a more diverse economic base.
It also pointed to the impact the mining and mineral sector has economically contributed.
“The industry has shown resilience through employment, continued operations and supporting the local communities,” Mr Bakaniceva said.
“During the pandemic, it was proven that Fiji needed to further diversify its economic base, making more use of its natural resources, and in particular agriculture and mining.”
The sector continued to play an
essential role in supporting society, through the provision of materials needed to construct ventilators, he said.
“With the completion of COP-26 and the reality of high sea level rise, the pressure on the sector continues to mount,” Mr Bakaniceva said.
Such pressure included the production and availability of raw materials that would help in the construction of seawalls and innovate renewable energy technology, he said.