New plant boosts gold recovery

Fiji's Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources is enhancing its supervision of the nation's mining sector, concurrently backing investments aimed at boosting mineral recovery and minimizing waste. Officials recently toured Vatukoula Gold Mines to examine its newly operational Fulin Carbon-in-Pulp Plant.

This new facility is designed to process up to 1,500 tonnes of historical tailings daily. It employs Carbon-in-Pulp technology to extract gold remaining in previously deposited mine waste, effectively turning material once deemed worthless into a source of valuable minerals. The process includes stages such as milling, leaching, carbon adsorption, and regeneration.

During the visit, ministry officials received a briefing on the plant's operations. They also inspected Tailings Storage Facility 6 to observe ongoing uplift works and evaluate the mine's environmental and operational management practices. The ministry stated that this visit is part of its broader commitment to fostering responsible mineral development and ensuring the sustainable management of Fiji's mineral resources.