Nabukebuke, Namosi, landowners have called for a stop to mineral prospecting on their land.
Spokesman Petero Sanivalu said they owned rights to the Special Prospecting Licensing 1420 which had the biggest copper deposit in the province.
He said the landowning unit was not pleased with the move by the Mineral Resources Department to renew a prospecting licence for another company.
Responding to these concerns the department said in a statement that it was aware of this request and would continue to engage with the mataqali to address any matters related to mineral exploration.
“The State has the right to explore minerals on any land as mineral ownership remains vested in the State, and recognises the need for a cordial relationship between the investors and landowners for the success of the exploration project as landowners support is required for access to the targeted exploration areas and support is also needed for progressive exploration work,” it said.
“If differences arise, the department will mediate between both parties.”
MRD maintained it had notified the mataqali of the renewal of the licence on September 17, 2020.
“All landowning units within the footprint areas were notified as required under the provisions of the Mining Act 1965.”
