Residents of the villages Natutu, Votua, and Nawaqarua in Ba are enduring significant challenges due to the ongoing black sand mining operations that began in 2016. The Australian firm Amex Resources Ltd has been dredging for magnetite in the Ba River, leading to a detrimental effect on the river’s ecosystem.
Alesi Mataka, the head of Soqosoqo Vakamarama Natutu Village, highlighted the difficulties faced by her community, particularly fishermen. “My husband, a fisherman, now spends at least seven days at sea due to the scarcity of fish near our shores,” she stated. Mataka noted that many fishermen are forced to rent boats, putting additional strain on their finances. The lack of income and food has resulted in increased tensions within families, often necessitating intervention by village leaders.
Tevita Evo, the advocacy project coordinator for the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), remarked on the direct impact the mining has had on local fisherfolk who depend on the Ba River for their livelihoods. “We are making every effort to present research on the environmental impacts, but the damage is already significant and largely overlooked by the current government,” Evo said.
Compensation from the mining activities has primarily benefited the Yavusa (tribe) of Votua, which many locals consider to be inequitable. FCOSS chairperson Vani Tuvuki pointed out that only $240 was distributed per person in 2021, with another minimal payment made in March 2023. “We are advocating for wider compensation that includes those directly affected by the environmental damage, not only the landowners,” Tuvuki emphasized.
Votua Village chief Alusio Waisele and Natutu Village chief Alipate Naqolo accused the previous government of misleading their communities, providing only details about the exploration license instead of the full consequences of the mining. They expressed dissatisfaction over unmet promises and insufficient consultation, stating that their efforts to halt the project in March 2023 were disregarded by the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources.
The mining operations have altered the flow of the Ba River, created a sand island, and further affected the neighboring villages. Despite multiple attempts to discuss these issues, Amex Resources’ general manager, Alivereti Tuidravuni, has chosen not to comment.