Although there had been intermittent prospecting for gold in Fiji for more than 60 years nothing of importance was found until an orebody was located at Mount Kasi in Vanua Levu, during the late 1920's. Gold in the Tavua area was first reported in 1872 but it was not until the end of 1932 that rich deposits were found by Bill Borthwick, an old Australian prospector. During the next 12 months, scores of companies and syndicates were formed while mining experts and company promoters arrived in Fiji by every boat. In 1936 the boom collapsed almost as suddenly as it had started leaving two important mines in operation, the Emperor and Loloma. Production from these mines averages about 1 and a quarter million pounds annually, Fiji currency. The Emperor Mine at dusk