Residents of Natutu, Votua, and Nawaqarua in Ba are enduring significant challenges due to ongoing black sand mining that began in 2016, which has severely affected their primary sources of income. The Australian company Amex Resources Ltd has been dredging magnetite from the Ba River, leading to detrimental changes in the river’s ecosystem.
Alesi Mataka, the leader of Soqosoqo Vakamarama Natutu Village, highlighted the difficulties her community is facing, particularly for local fishermen. She explained that her husband, who works as a fisherman, is now spending seven days at sea in search of fish that have become increasingly scarce near their shores. This has forced many men to rent boats, further straining their financial situations. The decline in income and food availability has led to rising tensions within families, necessitating frequent intervention by village leaders.
Tevita Evo, the advocacy project coordinator for the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), stated that the mining operations directly affect the fisherfolk who depend on the Ba River for their sustenance and livelihood. He expressed concerns that while efforts are being made to highlight the environmental consequences through evidence-based research, the extensive damage caused by mining is largely being overlooked by the current government.
Compensation for the mining project has predominantly been provided to the Yavusa (tribe) of Votua, which many residents consider unjust. FCOSS chairperson Vani Tuvuki pointed out that in 2021, only $240 per person was compensated, with a minimal additional payment in March 2023. He emphasized the need for broader compensation encompassing all those affected by the environmental destruction, not just the landowners.
Village leaders Alusio Waisele and Alipate Naqolo claimed their communities were misled by the previous government, which only discussed the exploration license without fully explaining the mining’s implications. They voiced their frustration over broken promises and insufficient consultations, noting that their appeals to the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources to stop the project in March 2023 were disregarded.
The mining activities have altered the flow of the Ba River, formed sand islands, and further disrupted nearby villages. Despite attempts to engage with the issue, Amex Resources’ general manager Alivereti Tuidravuni did not respond to requests for comment.