Vanua Levu exploration
July 13th, 2008 | by mantrionline |AUSTRALIAN company Geothermal Electrical Ltd will begin geothermal energy works on Vanua Levu this year.
Interim Lands, Mineral Resources and Environment Minister Netani Sukunaivalu said the company intended to setup a low energy plant at Tabia, outside Labasa in Macuata.
Mr Sukunaivalu, who recently went on a exploratory exercise to several Vanua Levu geothermal sites with the company, said it had to regularise leases.
“There is 30 square miles of geothermal pockets in Vanua Levu. The hottest one (120 to 130 degrees celsius) is in Savusavu. 260 to 200 degrees celsius is enough to turn the turbines,” said Mr Sukunaivalu.
He said thermal energy measuring 80 degrees celsius was also discovered at Tabia.
Mr Sukunaivalu said drilling was expected to begin in September and there were plans for a low energy plant to produce about 10-20 megawatts.
Mineral Resource Department deputy director geological Vijendra Prasad said any mining development would need to negotiated with landowners for compensation and damages.
He is unaware of any mining in Tabia but says an environmental impact assessment is needed for any mining lease when the company was ready to conduct mining operations.
