The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources of Fiji has categorically denied allegations from the Fiji Labour Party (FLP) regarding the unauthorized export of 20 containers of gold ore to China. The Ministry described the claims as “ridiculously false, libelous, misleading, and mischievous.” These allegations were brought to light by FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who had raised concerns over the activities of a Chinese company involved in a joint venture at Vatukoula Gold Mines, suggesting that the company had been illegally shipping gold ore to China for processing since December.
Chaudhry’s concerns emerged from discussions with the Director of Mines Apete Soro, who mentioned that the company had sought permission for exporting the ore post-processing. This raised questions about the volume of raw materials leaving the country and potential revenue losses linked to mineral extraction.
In response, the Ministry highlighted that exporting ores is not standard practice due to economic factors, and confirmed that any minerals intended for export must receive approval from the Director of Mines, negating the need for consent from other government officials. The Ministry clarified that gold concentrates, a refined product which is more economically viable, are the intended exports, and dismissed allegations of illegal shipments as baseless.
Furthermore, the Ministry added that, as of the latest information, no export license applications had been made to the authorities. Under existing regulations, exporting gold concentrates is permitted and aligns with global mining practices, which could potentially enhance Fiji’s revenue, especially in favorable market conditions.
This situation reflects the ongoing challenges related to mining governance, particularly as Fiji seeks to attract foreign investment, including from Chinese entities. Previous discussions have emphasized the importance of creating a transparent and investor-friendly environment, especially in light of local opposition and legal obstacles related to land and resource dealings.
Moving forward, fostering transparency and open communication between the government and local communities is crucial. Such efforts can facilitate a collaborative approach that not only addresses concerns but also ensures that the benefits of mining operations are shared equitably, respecting the rights of landowners while pursuing economic opportunities for Fiji. This approach could pave the way for a more sustainable and mutually beneficial mining sector in the region.
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