Fiji Labour Party (FLP) leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for an investigation into the recent shipment of gold ore concentrates to China, voicing concerns over the legitimacy of the approval process and the potential financial impact on Fiji’s economy. During a public exchange with Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo, Chaudhry expressed doubts about whether the shipment of 20 containers was authorized as per legal requirements.
Chaudhry highlighted that the Director of Mines, Apete Soro, reportedly had no prior knowledge of the shipment until the FLP brought it to light, raising questions about the state of oversight in the ministry. “The Minister needs to clarify why this significant shift in mining policy is happening without public awareness,” he stated. “Exporting gold ore concentrates instead of gold bars could lead to substantial financial losses for Fiji.”
The FLP leader elaborated that exporting gold bars typically yields greater earnings through foreign exchange and taxation compared to exporting raw concentrates. He indicated that containers filled with approximately 600 to 700 tonnes of ore were sitting in a Lautoka haulage yard pending approval for shipment to China.
In response to these concerns, Minister Vosarogo has maintained that all necessary protocols are being followed and no illegal actions have taken place regarding the exportation of the gold concentrates. He confirmed that VGML (Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited) had requested permission for the shipment, with the documentation still under review by relevant authorities. The Minister assured that all procedures, including customs and biosecurity inspections, will be closely monitored.
This situation has raised broader concerns about the governance and transparency of Fiji’s mining practices, especially regarding foreign investments, particularly from China. Stakeholders in the mining sector previously emphasized the necessity of creating an appropriate environment to attract such investments while addressing the rights and concerns of local communities impacted by mineral extraction projects.
Going forward, it is essential for the government and the FLP to engage in constructive dialogue to address these issues, fostering a transparent approach that can lead to sustainable development, balancing economic interests with local community welfare. The ongoing discussions offer an opportunity for fostering better governance and establishing clear regulations that protect Fiji’s resources while also promoting economic opportunities.
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