Residents of Natutu, Votua, and Nawaqarua in Ba are grappling with significant difficulties as black sand mining, initiated in 2016, continues to disrupt their main sources of livelihood.
Amex Resources Ltd, an Australian company, began dredging for magnetite in the Ba River, which has had a notable impact on the river’s ecosystem. Alesi Mataka, head of Soqosoqo Vakamarama Natutu Village, highlighted the struggles faced by her village, especially among fishermen.
“My husband, a fisherman, now spends at least seven days at sea due to the scarcity of fish near our shores,” Mataka commented. She noted that many local fishermen are forced to rent boats, further straining their financial resources. The consequent lack of income and food is increasing tensions within families, leading to a need for mediation by village leaders.
Tevita Evo, advocacy project coordinator for the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), emphasized the direct impact of mining on local fishermen who depend on the Ba River for their livelihoods. “We are doing our utmost to provide evidence-based research on the environmental consequences, yet the damage has already been extensive and is mostly overlooked by the current government,” Evo stated.
Compensation from the mining activities has been limited to the Yavusa (tribe) of Votua, which many community members view as unfair. FCOSS chairperson Vani Tuvuki pointed out that only $240 per person was distributed in 2021, along with a minor payment in March 2023. “We are advocating for broader compensation that includes all those affected by the environmental harm, not just the landowners,” Tuvuki added.
Both Votua Village headman Alusio Waisele and Natutu Village headman Alipate Naqolo expressed disappointment, claiming their communities were misled by the previous government, which only addressed the exploration license and not the mining’s broader impacts. They voiced frustration over unfulfilled promises and a lack of meaningful consultation, noting that their efforts to stop the project in March 2023 were ignored by the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources.
The mining operations have altered the flow of the Ba River, created sand islands, and exacerbated issues for nearby villages. Despite numerous attempts to discuss these concerns, Alivereti Tuidravuni, general manager of Amex Resources, declined to provide any comments.