Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo has criticized social media commentary that he believes incites unnecessary emotions among the i-Taukei people. He responded directly to a provocative post titled “Who owns the land six feet under,” asserting that this rhetoric stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of mineral ownership in Fiji.
During a recent meeting with the ten tikinas of Ba, Vosarogo aimed to provide clarity on various aspects of the Mining Act, including exploration and mining processes. He emphasized the importance of transparency and the need to engage with the communities affected by mining activities. “It’s about clarity and engagement, not authority,” Vosarogo stated, highlighting discussions around environmental impacts and the distribution of royalties.
A key point made by the minister is that mineral ownership is clearly defined not only in the Mining Act but also protected under Section 30 of the Fijian Constitution, which allocates ownership of all minerals to the State—this includes minerals beneath i-Taukei land. Vosarogo clarified that while the government is exploring potential adjustments to the Mining Act, any constitutional provisions regarding mineral ownership are rigid and complex to alter.
He referred to this meeting as a significant opportunity to socialize intentions regarding proposed updates to mineral laws, specifically the Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill, currently being developed. The response from the tikina leaders was positive, indicating a shared understanding of the complexities surrounding land and mineral rights.
Commenting on the misconception about land ownership, Vosarogo encouraged the community to seek accurate information from leaders rather than relying on social media. “Let’s be fair to people and the truth—context matters,” he concluded, reflecting a desire for informed discussions on the matter.
In a broader context, this initiative can be seen as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to establish a respectful dialogue and partnership with local communities, ensuring that landowners are well-informed and included in decisions that affect their livelihoods and lands. This approach not only aims to defuse tensions but also fosters more harmonious relations as Fiji navigates its mineral resource management.
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