Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an EIA?

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a technique for ensuring that potential impacts of a development are understood and taken into account before it is allowed to proceed.

In Fiji, an EIA is required under the Environment Management Act (2005) for all major developments.
An EIA gathers development specific environmental and social information and data, identifies potential impacts and comments on how they could be managed.

A Terms of Reference is developed by the Government to guide the EIA studies that are required to be undertaken by an independent consultant. An EIA report is produced and submitted to the Government for consideration.

The Government makes the final decision to allow a development to proceed based on the EIA.

2. Is the proposed Waisoi Project subject to an EIA?

Yes.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is underway to assess the potential social and environmental impacts of a proposed Project at Waisoi.

The Waisoi Project EIA is being conducted by independent and internationally recognised firms, in conjunction with the Institute of Applied Science at the University of the South Pacific.

The EIA is being conducted in accordance with the Government’s terms of reference and the Environment Management Act (2005). The EIA will help the Government decide if a mine at Waisoi can be built in an environmentally acceptable manner.

Following the Government’s decision, the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) will determine if the Waisoi Project can be operated safely and economically and in an environmentally sustainable way.

3. How will the Waisoi EIA work?

The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will gather a wide range of environmental and social data and information, identify potential impacts from the proposed Waisoi Project and provide options on how they could be mitigated or managed.

The environmental studies will include data gathering and analysis of soil, air, noise, ground water, waterways and ecology conditions. The social studies will assess community health, cultural heritage, traffic and transport, ecological risk, economics and other socioeconomic factors.

The final EIA report will help the Government decide if a Project at Waisoi can be developed safely and economically and in an environmentally sustainable manner. It is also the formal mechanism by which the Government would approve the Waisoi Project.

4. How was the Terms of Reference developed for the Waisoi EIA? Who was consulted?

The Department of Environment (DoE) was responsible for developing the Terms of Reference for the Waisoi Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Four consultation sessions were organised by the DoE that covered Namosi, Naitasiri, Rewa/Tailevu and Suva. The Government presented information about the EIA process and the NJV provided an overview of the Waisoi Project.
Attendees then asked questions, commented on various aspects of the Waisoi Project and made suggestions to the DoE on what should be included in the Terms of Reference (ToR).

Written submissions were also invited from interested stakeholders and the submissions received further informed the development of the ToR.
The DoE then compiled the Waisoi EIA ToR in conjunction with other Government departments.

5. Who is doing the EIA and are they independent? What role is the Institute of Applied Science playing in the EIA?

The Waisoi Project EIA is being conducted by independent and internationally recognised firms, in conjunction with the Institute of Applied Science (IAS) at the University of the South Pacific.

The independent consultants are engaged by the Namosi Joint Venture to undertake the Waisoi Project EIA in line with the Government’s EIA guidelines, regulations and legislation. The IAS has been subcontracted to undertake the social baseline studies and carry out, with the consultants, the village consultation sessions and coordinate and assist in the public consultation sessions.

6. Why do you need to study the local villages?

It is important to understand local villages to help identify potential project impacts and opportunities.
Social studies are the best way to develop a picture of what life is like today in local communities and provides a baseline against which future changes (positive or negative) can be evaluated.

These studies and consultation also provide local villages with an opportunity to identify possible project benefits that suit their needs as well as any impacts that they wish to see mitigated.

7. When will the Waisoi EIA be finished?

The Government, through the Department of Environment, issued the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in late 2011, following a series of community and stakeholder consultation sessions.

The EIA is now underway and an EIA report is expected to be submitted to the Fiji Government in late 2014.

8. How can I get involved in the Waisoi EIA?

Consultation and engagement with the local community and other stakeholders is an important part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process and all interested individuals and groups are encouraged to participate.

Understanding people’s concerns and suggestions helps the EIA study team investigate how to manage project impacts and maximise benefits. It is critical that all interested stakeholders, particularly those communities who live in or around the project area, have a thorough understanding of the proposed mine and an opportunity to ask questions or provide comments.

The EIA process includes a number of opportunities for interested stakeholders to provide their input, either through attendance at consultation and information sessions, or by submitting comments directly to the EIA team.

The EIA public consultation sessions include information on what the potential mine may look like, the proposed location of the main components including open pits, co-disposal facility, power plant, roads and bulk handling facility as well as the environmental management plans.
Feedback will be addressed in the EIA report. We encourage you to actively participate in the consultation sessions that take place.

1. What is the Waisoi Project?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is conducting studies and exploration to determine if a copper mine with gold by products can be developed at Waisoi in the Namosi and Naitasiri provinces (Tikina Waidina), approximately 30 kilometres west of Suva.

The Waisoi area is bounded by the Wainavadu River valley in the north, the Waidina River in the east and south and by the Korobasabasaga Range in the west.

The Waisoi Project, if approved and developed would include open pit mining to produce a copper concentrate with gold by products for export. The key mine infrastructure would include two open pits, tailings and waste rock storage facilities, a power station and processing plant, administration camp, a bulk handling facility and access roads.

The NJV estimates a mine life of approximately 20-25 years, depending on the annual production rate. The estimated mine life would also depend on the extent to which the amount of mineral reserves that can be extracted may change in the future subject to on-going exploration and economic factors.

The mine would be constructed and operated under strict environmental conditions imposed by the Government. Environment, social and cultural heritage management plans would be developed for the construction and operational stages as well as a mine rehabilitation plan in consultation with the government and local community.

If a mine at Waisoi can be developed and operated economically and at an appropriate environmental, social and safety standard, it will bring significant economic opportunities and other benefits to the local and wider Fiji community.

2. What is the status of the Waisoi Project?

The Waisoi Project is in the exploration and pre-feasibility study stage. No mining is currently taking place.

The NJV is undertaking studies and drilling to better understand the location, quantity and quality of the Waisoi mineral resources. We are collecting and analysing rock and soil samples to understand their mineral structure.
The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is also undertaking a wide range of studies to better understand the local environment and communities who may be impacted by the proposed Waisoi Project.

A Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is underway to better understand the development options available for the project from an environmental, social and economic point of view and develop appropriate environmental, social and cultural heritage management plans.

The EIA is being undertaken by independent consultants, however like all other countries worldwide, the cost for the assessment is met by the developer.

3. Do you use toxic materials when you explore/drill for mineral resources?

During the drilling process, water is mixed with very low concentrations of drill additives to create drilling fluids, which look like muddy water. These drilling fluids are used to cool and lubricate the drilling equipment, lift fine rock cuttings to the surface and stabilise the wall of the drill hole. Drilling fluids are stored in plastic lined in-ground sumps near the drill rig where the solids settle to the bottom and the liquid can be re-used as required.

The NJV uses a combination of naturally occurring and water-based drill additives which are not toxic to humans or animals, are biodegradable and will not bio-accumulate. These drill additives easily breakdown with naturally occurring bacteria and UV light. During this process, the drilling water may appear dark in colour and have an odour.

Environmental management plans are developed to identify and control potential environmental impacts when constructing access roads and drill sites.

4. When will a decision be made to build the Waisoi Project?

The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is underway. It will help the Government decide if the Project at Waisoi can be built in an environmentally and socially acceptable manner.

If the Government determines that the development can occur in a responsible manner, they will provide a list of conditions on which consent will be provided. The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) will then decide if the Waisoi Project can be developed and operated safely and economically and in an environmentally sustainable way in compliance with these conditions.

The project will not proceed if the Fiji government does NOT approve the ElA. The NJV will not build the Project if it cannot be developed and operated economically and at an appropriate environmental, social and safety standard.

5. How long would construction of the Waisoi Project take and what would it involve?

If the government approves the project and the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) decides to build the mine, construction would take approximately three years and would include:

• Building of administration and processing facilities, road and telecommunication infrastructure and other utilities like water and wastewater treatment facilities
• Development of the open pit mines and waste storage/disposal facilities
• Development of a construction stage environmental management plan
• Construction of a bulk handling facility on the coast.

6. Will you be evicting or relocating any villages in order to build the Waisoi Project?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) has committed to no relocation of any communities for the proposed Waisoi Project.

7. Where would the Waisoi Project tailings and waste rock storage facility be located?

The proposed Waisoi Project co-disposal tailings and waste rock facility will be located in the Wainavadu valley, approximately six kilometres from Delailasakau village.

Land studies were done in areas close to Delailasakau village to see if the tailings dam could be located there, but the idea has been discounted by the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) as it would have meant relocating the Delailasakau community.

8. Will the water in the proposed co-disposal tailings facility be toxic or poisonous? What safeguards would you have to ensure no water or chemicals got out?

Mine tailings are a mixture of finely ground rock, water and some residual processing chemicals. The chemicals used to process the ore and extract the minerals are very common and are not environmentally dangerous.

All mine tailings would be securely stored in the proposed co-disposal facility behind an engineered dam wall. Engineered dam walls are used worldwide to store material, with the most onerous application being the storage of water.

The engineered dam wall will be designed to withstand local conditions, including earthquakes, cyclones and extreme weather conditions.
Any water released from the co disposal facility into local waterways would be tested to ensure it met Fijian water quality standards as a minimum standard, that is, suitable for drinking.

Additional details will be outlined in the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.

9. I have heard that the Waisoi mine will lead to birth deformities?

That is not true.
The typical situation where ‘mining’ has caused deformities is from the introduction of mercury into waterways and from there into the food chain. Mercury is often used by small scale alluvial gold miners, usually illegal operators in unregulated locations.
Mercury will not be used to process ore at the proposed Waisoi mine.

10. How big will the two Waisoi mine open pits be? How close will they be to local villages?

It is proposed to have two open pits located in the Waisoi Valley.
At the end of operations, the West Pit would be around 1.8 kilometres from West to East and around 1.5 kilometres from North to South. The east pit would be around 1.0 kilometres West to East and 1.5 kilometres North to South. All dimensions are approximate and subject to relatively small changes over the life of the mine.
The two open pits would be located in the Waisoi Valley. The two pits will be around four kilometres from Namosi village over the ridge.

11. How long would the Waisoi Project operate for?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) estimates a mine life at Waisoi of approximately 20-25 years, depending on the annual production rate. The timeframe depends on the extent to which mineable reserves may change in the future subject to ongoing exploration as well as economic factors.

12. Will any cultural heritage sites be affected by the Waisoi Project?

A cultural heritage study is being conducted as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to help identify the location and the importance of known cultural sites. This includes consultation with the affected villages and site verification with villagers.
The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) will use all reasonable efforts to avoid impacting cultural heritage sites. If we cannot avoid a site, we will discuss it with the specific people who are connected with the site and with the village and implement mitigation procedures to the greatest extent possible.
We will also be developing Cultural Heritage Management Plans as part of the EIA process.

13. What happens when the Waisoi Project closes?

A closure plan is being developed for approval by the Government as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to outline options to rehabilitate the impacted land and leave the area in a condition which is safe, stable and minimises any adverse impacts on the human and natural environments. A key aspect is to decide the preferred end use of land in consultation with the community.

1. How would the Waisoi Project affect the local environment?

A comprehensive Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is underway to assess potential environmental and social impacts from the project and ways to effectively manage them. The findings from the EIA will be made publicly available.

If the Project goes ahead, it would be constructed and operated under strict environmental conditions imposed by the Government.

2. Will the Waisoi Project impact the Sovi Basin?

No.
The proposed Waisoi mine will not use any part of the Sovi River Basin for mining or related infrastructure.

The current plans show that project waste rock and tailings would be stored in a purpose-built engineered co-disposal facility on the Wainavadu River which is a completely separate river system that flows into the Waidina River some 17 of 18 kilometres upstream of where the Sovi River joins the Waidina River.
The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is fully supportive of the Sovi River Basin being protected and it would welcome the opportunity to work with local communities and other stakeholders on how best to conserve this area.

3. How will NJV deal with environmental impacts?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) conducts environmental management in accordance with Fiji’s laws and regulations.

The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) findings will be transferred into Environmental, Social and Cultural Heritage Management Plans covering the construction and operational stages of the Project. These plans will specify the environmental, social and cultural heritage management measures NJV will follow.

4. Will you be piping mine waste from the Waisoi Mine to the ocean?

No.
The mine waste disposal option known as Deep Sea Tailings Placement is not being considered for the proposed Waisoi mine.

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is considering mine waste management options, including an engineered co-disposal storage facility for tailings and waste rock that would be located near the actual mine.

More information on potential mine waste management options will be provided during Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation.

5. Will you be building a big tailings dam near our village? How will this affect us?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is considering mine waste management options for the proposed Waisoi mine, including an engineered co-disposal facility for tailings and waste rock.

It is currently proposed that the co-disposal facility will be located in the Wainavadu valley, approximately six kilometres from Delailasakau village.
More information on potential mine waste management options will be provided during Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation.

6. Will the Waisoi Project use cyanide or mercury to extract minerals from the ore?

No.
The proposed Waisoi Project will not use cyanide or mercury to extract minerals from the ore. A flotation process is currently proposed.
More information on potential mineral extraction options will be provided as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation.

7. Will you be discharging chemicals into the local environment?

No.
The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is considering mine waste management options, including an engineered co-disposal facility for tailings and waste rock.

More information on potential mine waste management options will be provided during Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation.

8. What happens if rare or endangered species are located near the Waisoi mine site?

The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will identify if any rare or endangered flora and fauna may be impacted by the construction or operation of the mine and if so, present options to mitigate the impacts.
More information on potential impacts to local flora and fauna and possible management measures will be provided during EIA consultation.

9. How will you manage environmental accidents?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) conducts environmental management in accordance with Fiji’s laws and regulations.

If the proposed Waisoi Project goes ahead, design features are incorporated into the project to accommodate extreme events and Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) will outline processes, procedures and equipment to minimise environmental impacts during the construction and operational stages. The EMPs will include safeguards to reduce the chance of environmental accidents. Emergency response contingency plans are also a normal part of any EMP.

If an environmental accident were to occur, NJV would commence immediate containment activities and notify the landowners, Government and other relevant stakeholders.

10. Will the Waisoi Project affect our village wells?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) undertakes responsible environmental management. Studies will be done as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to identify potential impacts to local water supplies, including village wells.

If potential impacts are identified, mitigation options will be identified in the EIA.

11. Have you considered the impacts on downstream communities in Naitasiri, Tailevu and Rewa provinces?

Yes.
The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is considering potential impacts on all communities downstream of the project. Building on the current baseline study program, an environmental monitoring network will be established to provide information on operational performance with this information provided to the Government and community.

1. How many workers will be needed for the Waisoi Project?

If the project proceeds, the construction workforce is expected to peak at around 2,000 and the permanent operational workforce would be approximately 1,000 people.
Many of the jobs would be for skilled workers such as office workers, electrical assistants, welders, mechanical assistants, small machine operators, surveyors and construction workers. However there would also be jobs for unskilled workers such as labourers, drivers, cleaning, guides and translators.
The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is committed to having its operations staffed by Fiji national employees, with specific reference to the local community. While it is recognised that this may not be possible immediately due to the unavailability of the necessary skill sets within the Fiji workforce, a fully nationalised workforce within a meaningful timeframe is the ultimate aim. The NJV will invest substantial resources into training and development of Fijians to achieve this and work closely with local villages and other stakeholders to identify both short and long term opportunities.

2. How would local people get a job at the Waisoi Project?

If the project proceeds, the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) will work with local villages and other stakeholders to identify employment and training opportunities. The NJV will seek to employ people from local villages as a first preference if their skills and experience match the available positions. While it is recognised that this may not be possible immediately due to the unavailability of the necessary skill sets, the NJV will invest substantial resources into training and development of local employees and work closely with local villages and other stakeholders to identify both short and long term opportunities.

Job opportunities will be advertised when they become available and will include the skills required. More information about the potential jobs and training opportunities will be provided as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultation process.

3. Where will workers live during construction and operation of the Waisoi mine?

Workforce accommodation options, including consideration of public and road safety, are being considered as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

At this stage, the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) expects the non-local construction workforce will be accommodated in a temporary, purpose-built camp on or near the mine site. NJV expects that locally employed workers will travel to site from their homes to minimise disruption to family and private life.

1. How is landowner compensation being paid during the exploration stage?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) and the Tikina Namosi Landowners Committee (TNLC) have a signed agreement that outlines all land access and compensation procedures for mineral exploration activities undertaken by the NJV within the Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) 1420 area.

Access and compensation arrangements are done in accordance with the agreement.

2. Will landowner compensation be paid for loss of land if the proposed Waisoi Project is built?

The Project location, design and land requirements have not been finalised and will be further considered as part of the Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.

This will include identifying potential impacts to landowners and users. The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) can then commence compensation negotiations with impacted landowners.

3. Are any village projects or benefits being provided at the moment?

Yes.
Since the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) was formed in 2008, it has provided funding and assistance for the following community projects and activities:

• $800,000 in education assistance to over 500 students from Namosi and Tikina Waidina students to undertake tertiary education.
• Namosi Secondary School and Primary school equipment and infrastructure
• $24,000 to the Fiji Electricity Authority for the installation of electricity in Tikina Namosi
• $20,000 towards the Nasirotu village water project, and $5,000 towards a water upgrade scheme for Narukunibua village
• $9,500 to the Water Authority of Fiji for upgrade of water services for Namosi village
• Donations to Namosi Secondary School, Namosi and Waivaka churches, Waivaka and Naitavuni kindergartens, village agriculture projects, youth training, village health, Namosi and Naitasiri provincial councils
• Establishment of Namosi and Naitavuni nurseries to support rehabilitation program

The NJV is prioritising its project impact area community programs in the areas of:

• Education
• Health
• Community support.

4. How will the proposed Waisoi Project benefit the local community and Fiji more generally?

If a mine at Waisoi can be developed, it will bring significant opportunities and benefits to the local and wider Fiji community, including:

• Landowner compensation for land access and use
• Up to 2,000 construction jobs and approximately 1,000 operational jobs, with flow on increases in spending
• Community development, education and training programs
• Investment in universities and training institutions
• Business opportunities for local suppliers and contractors
• Local infrastructure projects
• Government revenue from taxes and minerals extraction royalties.

5. How will the Project benefit the actual village in the area?

The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) consultations with villages and other stakeholders will help identify potential community benefits and opportunities from the project.

At this stage, potential benefits for local villages from any Project development may include:

• Employment, training and education opportunities, with flow on increases in spending
• Increased NJV spending/local income on local goods and services from mine and related employment
• Local business opportunities to supply the mine with goods and services
• Improved regional infrastructure like roads
• Targeted community development programs in consultation with local villages.

NJV will consult with local villages, the Government and other stakeholders regarding local community needs and priorities.

6. Will there be opportunities to provide goods and services to the Project?

If the Waisoi project proceeds, the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) will consult with local communities to identify potential business opportunities during the construction and operations phases.

The Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will identify potential goods and services required by the mine to help local communities and businesses decide what they might be able to provide.

1. How can I get more information about the Namosi Joint Venture or the Waisoi Project?

The Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) is committed to proactive and open consultation and communications with all local communities and key stakeholder groups. This is being undertaken in a range of ways including:

• Village, community and stakeholder information sessions
• Informal discussions with landowners, community and stakeholders
• NJV information materials
• Waisoi Project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) information materials and public consultation sessions
• Responding to public enquiries by phone, email and in person.
  • Phone – +679 7738 890 or 7738 892
  • Email – info@njv.com.fj
  • Website – www.njv.com.fj
  • Write – PO Box 14862, Suva, Fiji
  • Talk – to a NJV Community Relations Officer