The Minister for MFOR, Hon Ribanataake Tiwau, accompanied by his delegation, undertook an official visit to Naoero to strengthen cooperation and share knowledge and experiences in the rehabilitation of lands affected by mining.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with the President of Naoero, the Minister for Fisheries, and the Minister responsible for Nauru Rehabilitation Cooperation (NRC) and Republic of Nauru Phosphate Corporation (RONPHOS). The delegation also engaged with the Chief Executive Officers and Board Members of NRC and RONPHOS to gain a deeper understanding of Naoero’s rehabilitation programmes, institutional arrangements, and ongoing efforts to restore mined lands.

As part of the programme, the delegation undertook field visits to secondary mining sites and rehabilitation areas, providing an opportunity to observe rehabilitation activities firsthand and to learn from Naoero’s experience in addressing the environmental and land-use impacts of mining.

The visit is particularly significant for Banaba, where the legacy of irresponsible phosphate mining continues to present major challenges for land restoration and sustainable development. The knowledge, experience, and lessons shared by Naoero will contribute to ongoing efforts to identify appropriate approaches and strengthen the rehabilitation of Banaba.

The Government expresses its appreciation to the Government of Naoero, RHOMPAS, and all those involved in facilitating the visit and sharing their expertise. This engagement reflects the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collective commitment to restoring our lands and securing a sustainable future for our communities.