Companies

Bauxite mining by Chinese firm in Fiji halted

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-05-23 13:05

SUVA -- The recent typhoid outbreak in Vanua Levu has halted the bauxite mining by a Chinese company in Fiji's Bua area, according to a manager of the company on Monday.

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Human Resources Manager for Aurum Exploration Fiji Limited, Basilio Vanuaca, told media that Fiji's Health Ministry has asked them to evacuate the area and to wait for further notice, adding local authorities will direct them as to when they could go back to the site in Nawailevu.

The typhoid outbreak in Bua saw a total of 41 cases reported and a public health emergency declared, local media reported on Monday.

Bauxite is an aluminium ore and is the main provider of aluminium.

The Aurum Exploration Fiji Limited company is expected to export one million tons of bauxite minerals in the first two years worth around 35 million Fiji dollars ($20 million) .

Local media says the successful startup of the bauxite project has just proved to be a win-win example of bilateral cooperation between Fiji and China.