Fiji’s Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has implemented its strictest regulatory actions to date in response to a serious environmental breach caused by Lion One Metals Limited. On May 22, the company inadvertently discharged untreated wastewater into the Sabeto River in Nadi, leading to significant fish deaths along a two-kilometer stretch and provoking public outrage among nearby communities.
The incident has been deemed a major violation of Fiji’s environmental standards. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance towards such breaches, stating, “We are not here to be lenient. We are here to protect our people, our environment, and our future.”
Lion One Metals’ Chief Operating Officer, Patrick Hickey, took full responsibility for the spill, attributing it to a critical internal miscommunication that resulted in all three discharge pipes being opened simultaneously rather than the single pipe intended for treated water. In response, the company has promised to install a pre-treatment facility for all future discharges, engage directly with local traditional authorities, provide environmental compensation for the killed fish and eels, and enhance transparency regarding compliance monitoring.
A thorough investigation by the Ministry, in collaboration with the Department of Environment, is currently underway and includes water and sediment tests, staff interviews, and a review of the mine’s discharge procedures. All wastewater discharges from Lion One have been temporarily suspended, and results from water samples are anticipated within the week.
Concerns have been raised by local groups, including the Yaubula Committee and Roko Tui Ba, regarding the need for improved community consultation and transparent communication between the mining company and landowners. The Ministry has acknowledged these concerns, reaffirming its commitment to involve community voices in the ongoing processes.
As part of a collaborative response to the incident, the government has set deadlines for investigations and established a compensation committee, which includes representatives from various ministries and local authorities to oversee redress efforts. Lion One has also been mandated to conduct outreach programs to regain community trust.
The Sabeto incident marks a pivotal moment in Fiji’s mining regulation approach, sending a strong message that environmental negligence will incur immediate and serious consequences. This situation holds the potential to foster greater responsibility and improved practices within the mining sector, contributing to better environmental stewardship for future generations.
The proactive measures taken and the commitment to ensure environmental safety offer hope that such incidents can lead to constructive dialogues and more rigorous compliance in the future, ultimately reinforcing the protection of both ecological health and community welfare.
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