Villagers in Natutu, Votua, and Nawaqarua in Ba are enduring significant challenges due to ongoing black sand mining operations that began in 2016. Australian company Amex Resources Ltd has been dredging for magnetite in the Ba River, which has severely disrupted the river’s ecosystem and the community’s primary source of income.
Alesi Mataka, the head of Soqosoqo Vakamarama Natutu Village, highlighted the difficulties faced by fishermen in her village. She noted that her husband now spends at least a week at sea due to the declining fish population near their shores. The increased costs of renting boats have put additional financial strain on families, which has led to heightened tensions that require intervention from village leaders.
Tevita Evo, an advocacy project coordinator for the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), revealed that the mining activities have directly affected those who depend on the Ba River for their livelihoods. He stated, “We are trying our best to present evidence-based research on the environmental impacts, but the damage is already extensive and largely ignored by the current government.”
Compensation from the mining operations appears to be insufficient, primarily benefiting only the Yavusa (tribe) of Votua, which many locals deem unjust. FCOSS chairperson Vani Tuvuki mentioned that compensation was limited to $240 per person in 2021, followed by another small payment in March 2023. He emphasized the need for broader compensation that includes individuals who have suffered from environmental degradation, not just landowners.
Both Votua Village headman Alusio Waisele and Natutu Village headman Alipate Naqolo expressed dissatisfaction with how the previous government communicated the mining’s potential impacts, stating that the community was misled. They voiced their frustration over unmet promises and insufficient consultations regarding the project. Efforts to suspend the mining operations in March 2023 were reportedly ignored by the Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources.
The alterations caused by the mining, including changes to the Ba River’s flow and the emergence of a sand island, have further disrupted the surrounding villages. Despite multiple requests for dialogue, Alivereti Tuidravuni, general manager of Amex Resources, has not provided any comments on the situation.