‘No consent, no mining’: Namosi landowners

Traditional landowners must have the final say before any mining takes place on their land.

That was the strong message during public consultations on Fiji’s mining laws in Namosi Village yesterday.

District representative Esava Iowane warned that communities must be given greater power to protect their land, environment and future.

“No mining licence should be issued without the clear consent of traditional landowners,” Mr Iowane said.

He said communities who had cared for the land for generations should have the authority to decide whether mining projects could operate on their land.

Mr Iowane said the proposed mining legislation must clearly state that the decision of traditional landowners should be final when it came to approving or rejecting mining projects on customary land.

“In considering any application for a mining licence or special prospecting licence on customary land, the decision of the traditional landowners must be paramount and definitive,” he said.

He said landowners should have the right to refuse mining projects if they believed the activities could harm their environment, culture or livelihoods.

Under the 2013 Constitution, minerals found underground belong to the State.

However, Mr Iowane said the law must still recognise the rights of landowning units to object to mining developments on their land.

He said the proposed Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill should include clear provisions allowing landowners to reject mining licences to protect their land from projects they believe are unsustainable.

Mr Iowane also called for greater transparency in the mining sector, including public access to information on mining licences and mineral exports.

He said landowners should be able to access clear and updated information on mining activities affecting their land.

Deputy Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources Timoci Samisoni said the ministry acknowledged the concerns raised by landowners and communities.

“We are committed to ensuring that any amendments to the mining laws consider the rights of traditional landowners and the broader development needs of the country,” he said.

“Our goal is to create a framework where mining can be conducted sustainably while respecting the rights and interests of all stakeholders,” Mr Samisoni said.

The consultation in Namosi was part of nationwide consultations on the review of Fiji’s mining legislation.