Take Your Peg, Resource Owners Tell

Landowners of a magnetite site are up in arms again – this time over a peg placed on their land.

In Navitilevu Bay, Rakiraki, resource owners want “clarification” after an initial understanding that exploration would not proceed. A petition and much pressure from resource owners had pushed out a previous potential investor from mineral exploration work in the area.

“To put our minds at ease and ensure transparency, we kindly request information on when the peg is expected to be removed,” a spokesperson said.

Earlier this week, Milika Naulumatua asked the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources to explain why Navitilevu Bay was still listed as an exploration site.

But since Siyuan Investment pulled out of the development last year, the ministry had not reflected a subsequent update on its website, which stirred landowner suspicion.

And the peg still remained in demarcated areas of the property. “Could you please provide us with a specific date or an estimated timeline for the outcome of this matter?” Ms Naulumatua said. “This would help keep the affected communities informed, and alleviate any uncertainties we may have.”

Mineral Resources director Apete Soro said the Government respected the position of landowners and were happy to work with them. “The revised and updated tenement map of December 2023 has removed CX875 from the listing and map and will be updated on the ministry’s website.”

Mineral Resources director Apete Soro said the Government respected the position of landowners and were happy to work with them.

All inclusive

Resource owners of Navitilevu and Saivou in Ra, want an awareness session with the ministry.

“We believe that such a session would be instrumental in ensuring

that local communities are well-informed, and have a comprehensive understanding of developments in the lands and mineral resources sector,” said Ms Naulumatua. “Considering the importance of this session, we would appreciate your assistance in determining a suitable time frame for its implementation.”

The call from landowners is a pleasant shift, indicative of grassroots interest in commercial developments in the area. “We request your expertise in identifying a time that works best for the communities of vanua Navitilevu and vanua Saivou,” said Ms Naulumatua

“We aim to create an inclusive platform that addresses the concerns and interests of the local communities.

“We highly value your expertise and partnership as we work together to serve the people of vanua Navitilevu and vanua Saivou.”