Vatukoula Gold Mines Ltd (VGML) has been awarded the tender for mineral exploration and possible development of the Mount Kasi Mineral Prospect located on Vanua Levu.
Fiji’s Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources selected the candidate after a rigorous and competitive tender process.
According to the ministry, 13 entities expressed interest in applying for the tender, and seven entities submitted its applications or tender bid by the tender closing date.
A Government statement said the tender process was facilitated under the authority of Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Jone Usamate.
According to the statement, the objective of the tender process was to identify the most meritorious applicant with particular emphasis on proven mineral exploration and mining experience, and this in addition to strong financial capacity and sound technical capability to undertake bona fide mineral exploration at Mt. Kasi.
It also stated that the award of the tender did not necessarily result in the award of exploration rights to VGML as the company now has to apply for a Special Prospecting License by fulfilling or meeting the Mineral Resources Department’s stringent mineral exploration tenement application process.
