After a directive from the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, a review of the Mining Act is now underway with the underlying aim to ensure landowners are adequately compensated.

Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources Lt Col Neumi Leweni told Fijivillage that the review comes after landowners raised concerns with the Prime Minister on the compensation issue and resolve issues which arise over land leases.

Leweni said one of the main reasons behind the review is the compensation component as under the current mining act states that anything 6ft underground belongs to Government and landowners will only be compensated for damages on their land.

Leweni said what will also be considered during the review includes a certain percentage of revenue generated from minerals be given to the landowners.

He also revealed that he visited Malake Island with Geologists on Wednesday to verify claims by the villagers that there is oil seeping to the surface in the area.

Leweni said samples have been collected for testing and they do not want to give the villagers any false hopes.