THE extraction of limestone for cement production is another potential mining project that the Department of Mineral Resources hopes to introduce in Sigatoka.
While revealing the progress of various mineral extraction projects in the Western Division, permanent secretary for Lands Tevita Boseiwaqa said the department had identified an area in the Navosa region where limestone would be extracted from for cement production.
"Limestone is an important component of cement production and because we have a new cement producing company in Suva, we decided that extracting limestone would be a great way to generate revenue for local businesses and landowners," said Mr Boseiwaqa.
He said the new project would come under the land bank scheme and a special prospective licence (SPL) had been issued for the project.
"Under the land bank, we have the potential project for limestone for cement production.
"We have a new cement factory in Suva that would need the mineral. This limestone project will be conducted in the Navosa area. A place has been identified and we hope to start that project very soon," he said.
Mr Boseiwaqa said other SPLs were also issued to mining companies for mineral extraction in the West.
"We have potentials coming up for Tuvatu in Sabeto for gold extraction. We have given a mining licence to Votua for sand extraction."