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MINERAL POLICY - Section 8 : Infrastructure |
Section 8 - Infrastructure Policy
General Principles
| 8.1 |
Government understands that a major mining project requires substantial
infrastructural investment. This investment may, in many cases, be critical to the
financial viability of the project. While Government does not normally finance specialized
infrastructure, Fiji is willing to participate in multi-use infrastructure projects where
major benefits accrue to the public-at-large. The conditions of such assistance will be
judged on a case-by-case basis. |
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| 8.2 |
All mineral project infrastructure is expected to comply with existing
technical specifications, of similar infrastructure already in use in Fiji, as determined
by the relevant Regulations. Wherever
possible, mine infrastructure should be compatible with existing infrastructure and should
be maintainable through normal supplier networks within Fiji. Where project infrastructure
transits areas outside the immediate mining lease area, access should be available to the
general public on the basis of national policy. |
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| 8.3 |
All infrastructure planning should take place in full consultation with
the appropriate technical authorities within the Fiji Government. Government believes that
close liaison between Government and the mining company for infrastructure developments
will ensure compatibility with existing infrastructure and provide the mine developer with
a realistic appraisal of local conditions. |
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Specific Policies
| 8.4 |
Government feels that the development of multi-use infrastructure is an
important and highly desirable benefit of new mine construction. Fiji will seek, wherever
possible to facilitate construction of infrastructure projects which can serve both mine
and public purposes. To be considered for Government participation, infrastructure
projects must: be cost effective, have quantifiable social benefits, contribute to rural
or social development, and be within the general scope of public sector infrastructure
investment planning criteria .
The nature of Government's involvement will vary according to the type of infrastructure
required, although, in general, Government takes a flexible approach towards
infrastructure development and management. |
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| 8.5 |
At the conclusion of mining, all infrastructure shall be offered for sale
at the depreciated value, on a first-right-of-refusal basis, to the Fiji Government.
Should Government decline to assume ownership of the infrastructure, the company shall, at
its own expense, be responsible for ensuring that all infrastructure facilities are left
in a safe condition. |
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Footnotes [6] [7] Click on numbers to
return to text.
[6] Regulations governing the various areas of infrastructure
include: Electricity Act (Cap. 180), Housing Act (Cap. 267), Ports Authority of Fiji Act
(Cap. 181), Roads Act (Cap. 175), Sewerage Act (Cap. 111), Telecommunications Act (Cap.
173), Water Supply Act (Cap. 89). Each Act is administered by the relevant authority.
[7] For energy projects, preference is given to renewable
energy alternatives.
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