THE GOVERNMENT through the Ministry of Mines and Energy is planning to launch a new tender for the Isabel Nickel Project.
Director of Mines, Thomas Toba confirmed to this paper that the tender process is expected to be launched by this month or early September.
He said his office is expected to receive expression of interest letters from mining companies around the time given.
Mr Toba said the time line for tender will be three weeks and information will be published in our local newspapers.
“According to our timeline, we will give three weeks for the tender process and on the fourth week we will announce the winner of the tender,” he explained.
Mr Toba further explained that tender will be for three tenements – Kolosori, Takata and South San Jorge.
He said his office has already processed the tender documents and programme in preparation for the tender process.
“The first phase of the process is already underway and involves consultation with landowners, leaders and people living close to the nickel deposits.
He stressed that his office is working with landowners making sure landowning groups are well organised in setting up functional committees before the tender process takes place.
“Our plan is to first protect the areas before the tender process takes place,” Mr Toba said.
In the meantime, he said programmes for the Isabel nickel project is progressing smoothly."
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