Bauxite mining starts in Nawailevu, Bua, from today and huge benefits are expected for the people of the Bua province and the country’s economy as a whole.

As Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama gets ready to open the Aurum Exploration Mine in Bua, deputy secretary for Lands Pene Baleinabuli said the Chinese company has already paid $1 million to the landowners so far.

He said the flow on effects are also huge as many people have set up businesses to benefit from the bauxite mine in Bua.