Narube questions 'missing millions' in Fiji’s mining sector

Former Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor and Unity Fiji leader Savenaca Narube has raised concerns over possible systemic failures in financial reporting within the mining sector.

Speaking during a public consultation on the review of the Mining Act 1965 and the Quarries Act 1939 in Suva yesterday, Mr Narube claimed official records failed to capture the true value of Fiji’s mineral production.

Citing 2017 production data, Mr Narube said the sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should have ranged between $190 million and $369 million, significantly higher than officially recorded gross output figures.

He claimed there was an “81 per cent shortfall” in reported gains and questioned the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and the Fiji Law Reform Commission on the whereabouts of the “missing money”.

“It is definitely not going to the landowners’ pockets,” Mr Narube claimed.

He called for an immediate investigation to address what he described as accounting discrepancies.

Mr Narube also raised concerns about the potential for corruption in the mining industry, calling for a major restructuring of the mining approval process.

He criticised the broad discretionary powers vested in the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, saying the process should be depoliticised and handled by an independent technical evaluation committee.

Mr Narube further called for clearer guidelines on compensation for affected landowners, citing what he said were inadequate assessments of damage to forests, land and fishing grounds.

He stressed the need for stronger environmental monitoring and enforcement, saying the current regulatory framework often failed to hold companies accountable for environmental degradation.

The consultation was organised by the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Fiji Law Reform Commission to gather views and recommendations from the public for the review of the two Mining Acts.

Consultations will continue across the Central, Western and northern divisions from March 9 to April 18, providing all Fijians the opportunity to contribute in ways most comfortable to them, whether through formal submissions or interactive discussions.