“Landowners Cautioned Against Early Partnerships in Mineral Exploration”

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources is urging landowners to avoid engaging in joint ventures during the exploration phase of mineral development. This advice follows recent discussions held in Nadi with members from the Tikina in the Province of Ba, highlighting issues surrounding the increasing interest of landowners to partner with prospecting companies.

Dr. Apete Soro, Director of Mineral Development, explained that the exploration phase, which is initiated by obtaining a Prospecting Licence (PL) or a Special Prospecting Licence (SPL), involves significant financial investment from companies without any guaranteed discovery of resources. He emphasized that during this stage, companies spend money on activities such as geological mapping, sampling, and surveys, but do not generate any income. Therefore, he cautioned landowners against entering business arrangements until the mining phase commences, if it occurs at all.

Landowners during the exploration period are entitled only to compensation for land access and any disruptions caused by exploration activities. This situation points to the ongoing challenges faced by landowners regarding their involvement in mineral resource management, as discussed in prior engagements with various communities, such as those in Namosi. There, landowners are expressing a desire for greater control and understanding of mineral resource development in their regions, underscoring the importance of community engagement and transparent communication.

The government has reiterated its commitment to facilitating responsible mineral development in Fiji and is working to enhance its outreach efforts to ensure that stakeholders are well-informed about the entire process, from exploration to mining. It is hoped that by fostering open dialogue and collaboration, sustainable partnerships can emerge that respect the rights and needs of local communities while promoting economic growth.

In conclusion, these conversations reflect a broader initiative to improve understanding and trust between the government and landowners, paving the way for a more inclusive approach to mineral resource management in Fiji. This positive development highlights the potential for future collaboration that benefits both landowners and the mining industry.