Nabukebuke landowners call for Namosi Joint Venture eviction over expired licence

The Mataqali Nabukebuke Namosi Koro Trust has formally called for the eviction of the Namosi Joint Venture (NJV) from the Waisoi Base Camp, citing the expiry and non-renewal of Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) 1420.

The Trust, which represents the customary landowners of Nabukebuke in Namosi, claims that NJV is occupying mataqali land without a valid licence issued by the Government of Fiji. It says the continued presence and operations of NJV amount to unlawful occupation and trespass following the lapse of the licence.

In a statement, the Trust called on the Director of Mines to take immediate legal action in accordance with the law, including enforcement measures against what it described as unauthorised occupation.

“In the absence of a valid licence, NJV should be regarded as a squatter on our customary land,” the Trust said.

The Trust expressed disappointment at what it described as continued inaction by the Director of Mines and the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources despite the expiry of SPL 1420. It also criticised what it termed dismissive and unprofessional conduct by the current NJV management towards landowners.

The Trust said it would no longer tolerate what it described as ongoing disruption and disrespect towards the people of Nabukebuke in Namosi village, adding that the politicisation of landowner rights must come to an end.

It also raised concerns over the Government’s failure to meaningfully localise International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 169 within Fiji’s Mining Act, despite Fiji being a signatory to the convention.

According to the Trust, the absence of such provisions continues to entrench outdated legislative frameworks that marginalise customary resource owners and limit their participation in, and benefits from, resources found on their land.

“Customary landowners are often portrayed as ‘difficult’ when they challenge systems that were not designed to protect their interests,” the Trust said. “That narrative must end.”

A representative of the Mataqali Nabukebuke Trust said the landowners were seeking immediate enforcement of the law.

“The Special Prospecting Licence issued to Namosi Joint Venture has expired, yet operations continue without our consent. We are calling on the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources to act without delay,” the representative said.