Employees from Lion One Metals Limited participated in a week-long First Aid Rescue Training program at Vatukoula Gold Mines Pte Limited, aimed at enhancing workplace safety, emergency preparedness and collaboration between the two mining companies.
The training was conducted from May 11 to May 18 at the Vatukoula mine operation in Fiji and focused on strengthening participants' rescue capabilities and understanding of emergency response procedures in mining environments.
Participants were introduced to Vatukoula Gold Mines' operations through a comprehensive safety induction program covering the company's history, operational policies, workplace procedures and emergency response systems.
The training was facilitated by Rajeshwar, Waisale and Semi, who shared practical knowledge and industry experience in first aid and mine rescue operations.
According to the organizers, the program provided participants with an opportunity to learn rescue techniques, understand safety responsibilities within mining operations and exchange experiences on emergency preparedness and workplace safety practices.
The initiative also fostered professional cooperation between the two companies, allowing participants to discuss operational challenges, share best practices and strengthen working relationships.
Throughout the training, participants took part in classroom discussions and theoretical learning sessions focused on emergency response planning and rescue procedures. The interactive sessions encouraged attendees to share workplace experiences and perspectives on safety management.
Organizers said the theoretical component established a foundation for subsequent practical training exercises, where participants would further develop their rescue and emergency response skills through hands-on demonstrations and field-based activities.
The collaboration brought together two of the South Pacific's established gold mining operations. Vatukoula Gold Mines operates the historic Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji, one of the country's largest and longest-running mining operations. The underground mine has produced millions of ounces of gold since mining began in the Vatukoula district in the 1930s and remains a significant contributor to Fiji's mineral sector and regional employment.
Lion One Metals is advancing the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project near Nadi on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. The company has positioned Tuvatu as a high-grade gold development and production project, with underground mining and processing facilities designed to support long-term gold production. The project is one of the most closely watched new mining developments in Fiji and forms part of the country's growing mining industry alongside established operations such as Vatukoula.
The rescue training program reflects the mining sector's continued focus on strengthening safety standards and ensuring workers are equipped with the skills needed to respond effectively to workplace emergencies.
Both companies said the collaboration highlighted the value of knowledge sharing and industry partnerships in promoting safer mining operations, improving emergency preparedness and supporting workforce development across the Pacific mining industry.
