Mining Act review targets fairer benefits for landowners

The proposed new Minerals and Mining Exploration Act is expected to better serve landowners and provide a comprehensive legal framework covering all underground extraction activities in Fiji.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, said the revised legislation aims to ensure that landowners, mining stakeholders and Government all benefit fairly.

He said there had been a growing number of landowning units calling for a review of the current Mining Act 1965.

Public consultations on the review will begin on March 9 and conclude on April 18.

Mr Vosarogo said the consultation period may be extended if more time is needed.

“If this timeframe is insufficient, that will be taken into consideration,” he said.

He added that the review is timely as the existing law has become outdated.

“It is timely that we review the Act now and hear from the public on what they think the new mining laws should look like.”

Once consultations are completed, the draft legislation will be tabled in Parliament for endorsement.

The new law is expected to replace several outdated provisions in the current legislation.

Illegal extraction concerns

Responding to concerns about illegal extraction of sand and gravel for construction, Mr Vosarogo confirmed that authorities have received multiple complaints.

“If we regulate the industry properly, the level of unlawful activity should diminish,” he said.

He revealed that a decision to review the Mining Act was first made in 2007, with several draft versions developed and circulated among stakeholders since then.

“We are now at a stage where we have a baseline document ready for wider public consultation.”

The Government is working in partnership with the Fiji Law Reform Commission to provide legal drafting expertise for the new Minerals and Mining Exploration laws.

Mr Vosarogo said the new Act will introduce stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure better policing of extraction activities.

The Minister also acknowledged the potential impact of regulatory changes on the cost of construction materials such as sand and gravel.

“We are mindful that increasing extraction costs could raise consumer prices,” he said.

“There needs to be a balance between regulating the industry and keeping building material costs affordable.”

He stressed that Government does not want increased construction costs to negatively impact businesses or employment opportunities.