Recent information on the Wainivesi gold project in Tailevu shows that mining commenced in quarter three of 2009, but has not progressed well due to power and milling problems. In addition, a bauxite mining project in Nawailevu, Bua is expected to start soon and may bring in much needed foreign exchange. Moreover, copper exploration in Namosi and gold prospecting in Tuvatu are progressing well.
Because of this success the number of complaints against banks currently handled by the Ombudsman’s office has declined from a high of 156 in 2004 to about 20 in 2010. I should note that the Ombudsman’s terms of reference do not cover the fees, commissions and interest rates charged by banks.