Villagers from Natutu, Votua, and Nawaqarua in Ba are experiencing significant challenges as black sand mining, which has been ongoing since 2016, continues to disrupt their main source of livelihood.
Australian firm Amex Resources Ltd began dredging for magnetite in the Ba River, which has considerably harmed the river’s ecosystem.
Alesi Mataka, the head of Soqosoqo Vakamarama Natutu Village, highlighted the difficulties faced by her community, particularly affecting local fishermen. “My husband, a fisherman, now spends at least seven days at sea due to the lack of fish near our shores,” she noted.
She mentioned that fishermen often have to rent boats, putting additional financial strain on their families. The decrease in income and food has led to increased tensions within households, necessitating frequent mediation efforts by village leaders.
Tevita Evo, an advocacy project coordinator with the Fiji Council of Social Services, indicated that the mining has directly impacted local fisherfolk who depend on the Ba River for their livelihoods. “We are making efforts to present evidence-based research on the environmental impacts, but the devastation is already substantial and largely overlooked by the current government,” said Mr. Evo.
Compensation from the mining operations has been limited solely to the tribe of Votua, which many locals view as unjust. Vani Tuvuki, chairperson of FCOSS, mentioned that only $240 per individual was distributed in 2021, with another minor payment made in March 2023. He emphasized, “We are advocating for broader compensation that includes those directly affected by environmental damage, not just landowners.”
Votua Village headman Alusio Waisele and Natutu Village headman Alipate Naqolo claimed that their communities were misled by the previous government, which only explained the exploration license without addressing the full impact of mining. They expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises and inadequate consultation, stating that their attempts to halt the project in March 2023 were dismissed by the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources.
The mining activities have changed the flow of the Ba River, created a sand island, and further impacted neighboring villages. Despite several requests for comment regarding these issues, Alivereti Tuidravuni, general manager of Amex Resources, declined to respond.