The government will have discussions with the Tikina Namosi Landowners Committee next week to sort out issues in relation to access for the Namosi Joint Venture to continue with exploration works for copper and gold and the environmental impact assessment consultations.

Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office Colonel Pio Tikoduadua said the environmental impact assessment has to be carried out and people need to be fully informed in relation to the proposed mine in Namosi.

He also stressed that no mining license has been issued to Newcrest Mining which is leading the exploration works for Namosi Joint Venture.

The landowners have currently stopped Newcrest from going ahead with the exploration and the environmental impact assessment has also been stopped.