Jobs promise fails to convince mining critics

A proposed sand mining project in Kulukulu, Sigatoka, could cost Fiji more than the 24 jobs it promises, a resident has warned.

Speaking at the environmental impact assessment (EIA) public consultation for Magma Mines Pte Ltd’s proposed Sigatoka Iron Sands Project at Kulukulu Public Primary School last Saturday, Mausara/Olosara resident Adi Alisi Seniloli Lalabalavu questioned whether the project's long-term benefits justified the potential loss of the area's sand dunes.

Ms Lalabalavu, who lives opposite the river mouth where mining is proposed, questioned who would benefit from the project.

“Have you ever done this kind of mining here in Fiji? No. You've never done it, so why are you targeting our sand dunes? Who actually benefits from this sand mining?” she asked.

Magma Mines Pte Ltd engineer Peter Hinner said the project was driven by the presence of magnetite and the Government's desire to attract investment.

Mr Hinner said the mine would create about 24 jobs, with each worker expected to generate indirect benefits for six other people through spending in the community.

“What people earn as wages, they pay at the supermarket, they pay at the petrol station, and they buy things for their house. That's a globally recognised relationship; for every person that's employed on the mine site, another six people in that community actually benefit from the mining. So that ends up being over 100 people,” he said.

However, Ms Lalabalavu questioned whether the employment opportunities justified losing an area she described as part of Fiji’s national heritage.

“You're actually going to employ 24 people and take the heart of Fiji away, which took centuries, nature, to build. You are going to take away our national heritage.

“Why are you targeting the only heart here in Fiji? This is where our rugby sevens and our Fiji players come and train. Our athletes use this to come and train. This is where the tourists are; we have Airbnbs around this community.

“This is more than the 27 people you're going to employ. We get the tourists in, and we show them what we are proud of,” she said.

Ms Lalabalavu urged the developer to consider another location.

“I would advise you to go back and look for another place for mining. And leave our sand dunes alone,” she said.