Landowners in Tikina o Nasigatoka are demanding that Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka take immediate action to halt the operations of Magma Mines Ltd, a subsidiary of Dome Gold Mines Ltd, and revoke their Special Prospecting License 1495. The local community has accused the company of disregarding their opposition, misleading village leaders, and causing significant environmental harm along the Sigatoka River and Koroua Island.
The Bose Vanua of Tikina Nasigatoka asserts that proper consent was never obtained from the villagers, claiming that Magma Mines misrepresented the signing of fishing rights waivers while sidestepping traditional protocols. Tui Nasigatoka, Taukei Werenidri Vereniki Qasevakatini, has expressed strong disapproval of the company’s activities, indicating that he does not wish to host their representatives on his land. Despite these sentiments, the company has continued its visits to the area, ignoring communications from the provincial office.
Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, acknowledged receipt of a petition from the community and promised to forward it to the Prime Minister. In Parliament, letters have been presented to the Ministers for Climate Change, Lands and Mineral Resources, and iTaukei Affairs. Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo indicated that action will be taken if it is determined that procedures were not properly followed.
Concerns raised by the landowners include the destructive impacts of dredging activities on marine ecosystems and farmland, with allegations that these practices aimed to extract magnetite from beneath the sand. Joeli Kunaturaga, a representative for the vanua, recalled that previous dredging by another company resulted in lasting damage, affecting vital fishing areas and coastal vegetation. The community fears that ongoing mining could lead to long-term health issues related to mineral dust and heavy metals.
Additionally, drilling activities on Koroua Island have caused alarm due to damage to ancestral graves and fertile land, allegedly shrinking the island after numerous drill holes were made without consent. Frustration mounts as locals feel overlooked, with some seeking legal advice to pursue compensation for the environmental damage and stress experienced. They categorically reject any compensation proposals from the mining company, emphasizing that financial aid or job offers cannot substitute for the losses incurred.
The community is also critical of the 2017 Environmental Impact Assessment submitted by Magma Mines, labeling it as inadequate and primarily derived from another project without proper disclosure to landowners. The proposed mining area encompasses homes, farms, schools, and even a hospital, raising further concerns about the impacts on local facilities and environments.
Similar to sentiments expressed by landowners from other regions, including Namosi, there is a persistent call for the government to acknowledge and address local voices regarding mining activities. The need for a respectful and inclusive dialogue around these issues is underscored by the ongoing struggles seen in various communities facing similar challenges.
Ultimately, the people of Tikina o Nasigatoka wish to protect their rich cultural and natural heritage from what they view as exploitative practices driven by short-term profits. They hold out hope that their concerns will be recognized and action will be taken to safeguard their environment and rights.
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