The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has addressed community concerns regarding the mineral exploration phase, clarifying that it does not generate any revenue. During a recent talanoa session in Nadi, Director of Mineral Development Dr. Apete Soro underscored that exploration is an investment phase where companies incur costs for geological mapping, sampling, and surveys to evaluate potential mineral deposits.
“Exploration is purely an investment phase,” Dr. Soro stated. “There is no income for the investor at this point—only expenditure.” He also highlighted that landowners are increasingly interested in forming joint ventures with prospecting companies, though he cautioned that such partnerships are not appropriate until the mining phase begins.
The only financial return during the exploration phase for landowners comes from compensation for land access and disturbance caused by the activities. Fees for government-issued licenses and administrative costs are the minimal sources of income generated during this stage.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to sustainable mineral development alongside ongoing community engagement, aiming to foster understanding and informed decision-making from exploration to mining.
This clarification aligns with ongoing efforts by the Ministry to improve public understanding of mineral operations and the regulatory processes involved, enhancing transparency and community involvement in resource management.
Fostering open communication and collaboration could lead to better outcomes for local communities, as they navigate the complexities of the mineral development process. There is a hopeful outlook that, by prioritizing engagement and understanding, sustainable partnerships can be built for the future development of Fiji’s mineral resources.
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