Project could boost exports, local industry
Magma Mines says high-grade magnetite and specialised construction sand offer local and overseas opportunities.
Tuesday 10 November 2026 | 07:00
Updated 10 November 2026 | 08:37 FJT
People gathered at the public consultations on the proposed Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) 1495 – Kulukulu Sands, Sigatoka Iron Sands Project.
Photo: Waisea Nasokia
The proposed Sigatoka Iron Sands Project could create new export opportunities for Fiji while supplying specialised construction materials to local industries.
Magma Mines Pte Limited engineer Peter Hinner said the proposed Kulukulu South operation would target international markets for its high-quality magnetite and construction sand, with potential to support local manufacturers and infrastructure projects.
Mr Hinner described the magnetite deposit as one of the highest-quality resources he had encountered in about 10 countries where he had worked on similar projects.
Related stories
He said the magnetite could be processed for export, with potential also identified to supply local manufacturers producing reinforcing steel bars for building construction.
Beyond magnetite, the project could generate commercial value from construction sand, particularly for specialised concrete used in marine infrastructure.
Testing conducted at Boral's Technical Centre in Sydney, Australia, identified mineral characteristics that could make the Sigatoka sand suitable for concrete applications in marine environments.
"Sigatoka sand, because of the high content of this particular mineral, gives the sand very good properties," Mr Hinner said.
He said the material could be used in coastal infrastructure projects, including breakwaters, tetrapods, groynes, ports and general construction.
The material could be particularly useful for infrastructure exposed to seawater, where corrosion of reinforcing steel can contribute to concrete deterioration, commonly known as concrete cancer or spalling.
Under the proposed operation, front-end loaders and a mobile screening plant would extract and separate the materials, while a processing plant would recover the magnetite.
Mr Hinner said the company expected to retain between 50 and 70 per cent of the construction sand for commercial use, depending on the mining area and the material recovered.
The remaining material would be returned to mined areas as part of the rehabilitation programme.
The Port of Lautoka has been identified as the likely export gateway for the processed products, connecting the proposed operation to overseas markets.
The project is undergoing its environmental impact assessment review process.
