Minister for Land Mereseini Vuniwaqa has clarified that landowners of Nawailevu in Bua where a bauxite mine is located have not received any royalties from the government.
Vuniwaqa was responding to a claim made by Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu in Parliament that Nawailevu landowners have been paid $600,000 in royalties.
She told Parliament the amount was paid by the mining company to help children of Nawailevu.
“Until a fairs share of royalties’ formula is set, royalties will be held in trust by government so to the Nawailevu people your royalties will be shared once the formula is set.”
Vuniwaqa says the government is still formulating the payout of royalties.
She adds in the meantime, villagers should seek clarification from the government about any issues related to the bauxite mine.
XINFA Aurum Explorations Fiji Limited has a lease to mine bauxite at Nawailevu in Bua.
