Bauxite mining in Bua
Luke Rawalai | The Fiji Times | September 6, 2016
THE Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has refuted statements by the Bua Urban Youth that Government is undermining the iTaukei social structures to obtain the consent of landowners for bauxite mining.
The ministry’s deputy secretary, Malakai Nalawa said that they had worked with the divisional commissioner, roko tui, relevant agencies, and three previous permanent secretaries, to conduct several meetings in the villages and districts of Bua before procuring landowners’ consent for mining activities on their land.
Mr Nalawa said that there was no truth in the claim by the Bua Urban Youth (BUY) Network.
An earlier statement by the BUY said that Government needed to procure the consent of land owning unit and clans before making any decision to mine.
Papua New Guinea Mine Watch 