Amex Resource Limited, an iron sand exporter based in Lautoka, Fiji, is experiencing significant improvements after years of challenges.
The company has initiated a three-day loading exercise for iron sand destined for China. This marks the second batch of iron sand being shipped this year, weighing around 50,000 tonnes, following the resumption of business last September, according to General Manager Alivereti Tuidravuni.
The company credits its improved performance to continuous equipment and management optimization. The international exchange of expertise has substantially enhanced the professional skills of Fijian staff. “Many of these Chinese experts have participated in the construction of dredging vessels. They are not only familiar with the operation of the ships but also have a deep understanding of their fundamental principles,” Tuidravuni said. “They can quickly diagnose equipment faults and provide feasible solutions for our Fijian colleagues. Although language barriers still exist, the transfer of knowledge and experience has not ceased.”
Deputy General Manager Akesh Sharma mentioned that the company is recruiting for specific technical positions. Amex’s workforce is approximately 100 employees.
**Increase in Investment**
Despite the production of the second batch of iron sand, Australian investors in Amex remain unsatisfied with the current production rate. The company has yet to achieve profitable levels. As a result, the board of directors has increased investment in capital and technology, inviting mining industry experts to design a three-phase technological upgrade plan.
The first phase involves the investment in an advanced hydraulic cyclone device to enhance production efficiency, which will be ready for preliminary testing in the next two months. “To ensure continuous production, Australian shareholders have invested $1.1 million to purchase a second dredging ship from China, which is en route to Fiji,” Tuidravuni said. The board anticipates that these technological upgrades will quickly increase shipment frequency.
“Although our current performance falls short of our generous investors’ expectations, it is fortunate that they continue to provide financial support and urge Amex to constantly update equipment and implement technological upgrades. These Australian investors have a long-term strategic vision for Amex, insisting on the adoption of increasingly advanced equipment and production technologies,” Tuidravuni noted.
Tuidravuni also emphasized that there is no room for complacency even after the second shipment. “The production tasks for the second half of the year are even more arduous; everyone on the front line must understand the urgency of time,” he said.
According to Amex, containers with newly purchased equipment and spare parts, mostly imported from China or New Zealand, have arrived over the past few months. The company has recruited more assembly workers for equipment installation and commissioning.
The implementation of new technological upgrades requires young technical talent, Tuidravuni added. Amex seeks more highly experienced technical specialists to manage complex equipment operations. “We found that new imported electronic modules couldn’t synchronize two generators because the software operating system had undergone multiple iterations over the past few years,” Tuidravuni said. “Much like your phone system, the equipment accompanying software also needs upgrades, which requires professionally trained electrical engineers. Young people can learn a lot here.”
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