Relocation Out Of Question

Relocation is out of the question for a coastal community famed for its sand dunes, rich fishing grounds, and fertile agricultural land, amid talks over developing a mine in the area.

But a little nearby island that landowners use for pastoral grazing and sustainable farming, could be home to Fiji’s next iron sand mine.

Dome Gold Mines Limited, the parent company of Magma Mines Limited which was established in Fiji in 2008, has since carried out magnetite exploration in Sigatoka.

Future developments of the project would not impinge on occupied land, Dome chairman, John McCarthy, said.

Sand mining would not take place offshore, nor adjacent to the Kulukulu beach, famed for its surfing, recreation, and fishing ground, he said.

“No occupied land will be involved in mining at Sigatoka should the project proceed; therefore, there will be no requirement for relocation,” he told SunBiz.

“The majority of workers for any approved future sand mining and processing operation will be sourced locally, as will services needed by the project, a significant economic benefit to the local communities,” Mr McCarthy said.

“The Sand Dune National Park is not impacted by the proposed mining operation.”

Koroua, separated from its Vunavutu landowners by the Kulukulu estuary that local lyricists have made contemporary hits about, was home to a scene where knife- wielding landowners suspended excavation works in previous years.

As recent as yesterday, Koroua’s landowning unit maintained it was not open to mining because of the environmental dangers.

A senior spokesperson for the governing clan that owns Koroua island, said processes were not carried out in proper fashion during consultations.

“We are saying no to mining,” the landowning unit said.

Another spokesperson from Kulukulu said nothing other than the extension of a special prospecting licence for the project was made known to the community.

The Government lease for iron sand project was extended to 2025.

‘Koroua, where mining may be undertaken’

The estuary is a swimming spot for nearby communities, and is a rich source of some of Fiji’s tastiest mud crabs and king prawns, which residents consume or sell for sustainable livelihood.

The elderly fisherfolk of Kulukulu attest to the spawning ground it serves for certain shark species.

Mr McCarthy offered reassurance that any mining activity on the island that lies close to the Sigatoka River mouth, would be pre- ceded by negotiated lease agreement with landowners.

“Koroura Island, where mining may be undertaken in the future, would need to be preceded by negotiated lease agreements with the traditional owners,” he said.

“Mining would be followed by land reclamation/rehabilitation.

“A granted mining lease is required to formally negotiate land use agreements.

“Any negotiated lease will compensate the owner(s) for temporary loss of production and require the land to be returned ready for resumption of agricultural or other use when mining is completed.”

Under Fiji law, 80 per cent of royalties for minerals recovered and sold would be paid directly to the landowner.

Results by mid next year

Dome has commissioned studies to determine furthering its interests in mineral resources in Sigatoka.

Mr McCarthy said the studies would investigate and design the most efficient method of mining and mineral processing of the heavy mineral sand.

“Magnetite will be one of several potential products of the mine, assuming it will go ahead,” he said.

Dome’s recent non disclosure agreement with a multinational mining company, after its special prospecting license was extended to 2025, has fueled speculation over the existence of more than just iron sand in Sigatoka.

"While the jury is still out, the results of the studies could be out by mid next year," Mr McCarthy said.

An environment impact assessment study involving wide community consultation was completed for the exploration work and submitted and approved by the Department of Environment.

“An updated environment impact assessment study is currently underway by Fiji-based environmental scientists that again will involve wide community consultation.”

"Studies, well underway, would recommend the best location to commence mining and processing," Mr McCarthy said.

As the emerging Australian developer progresses to advanced stages of the project, it has suggested the presence of other heavy minerals of industrial use, in an area initially sought after for magnetite.

Magnetite extraction is currently carried out in Ba by Amex Resources.

‘Some products will be sold internationally’

"Assuming the studies confirm that a profitable mining and processing operation can be established at Sigatoka, Dome will seek to acquire all permits needed from the Government for the project," Mr McCarthy said.

“It is Dome’s intention to maximise employment of Fijians in both the construction, operation and maintenance of the mine and processing plants, and as much as possible, sell products of value into the Fiji market.

“If no customer is available in Fiji, some products will be sold internationally.”

Near Kulukulu

Dome, via its wholly owned subsidiary Magma Mines Ltd, has undertaken exploration at Sigatoka for many years, from a work compound located near Kulukulu, adjacent to the Queens Highway.

“We have employed and trained many local people from all of the villages within the special prospecting licence area to operate the sonic drill used to collect sand samples, both on land and from a barge on the river itself,” Mr McCarthy said.

“The company has held regular and numerous community meetings, and has always had an open door policy at the company’s Sigatoka office/residence.”

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