No new mining licences until laws reviewed - Lands Ministry

No new mining licences will be issued in Fiji until the country’s mining legislation is fully reviewed. 

This has been highlighted by the Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Timoci Samisoni, during the Climate Change Fallout – Development Transitions and Community Resilience: An International Talanoa on Transition Mineral Mining and Development Justice organised by the Social Empowerment and Education Program held at the Fiji National University in Nasinu.

Samisoni stresses that Fiji’s transition towards renewable energy and the growing global demand for transition minerals must not come at the expense of environmental integrity or indigenous rights.

He says the Ministry, in collaboration with the Fiji Law Reform Commission, has begun a comprehensive review of the Mining Act and Quarry Act to address gaps in existing legislation, which he says was not designed for the complexities of today’s global energy transition.

Samisoni says the review process is being driven by public consultations, with strong calls for the introduction of free, prior and informed consent for all exploration activities.

He adds that communities are also advocating for greater economic participation, including joint state–landowner operations, shared equity arrangements, and increased royalties.

The Deputy Secretary emphasised that extracting minerals critical for renewable energy technologies may be considered “green” globally, but locally it involves heavy industry that must be strictly regulated.

He says the ministry acknowledges ongoing concerns from landowners in Namosi regarding proposed copper and gold exploration projects in Waisoi and Waivaka, noting that community voices remain central to decision-making.

Samisoni says Government is also considering translating legislation into accessible language and strengthening awareness programmes to ensure landowners fully understand their rights and the implications of mining activities.

He confirms that the revised laws will include tougher penalties for illegal extraction, higher compensation for environmental damage, and stronger monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

He says the reforms will also establish stricter biodiversity protections to ensure that the environmental costs of resource extraction are minimised.

Samisoni also stressed that a “just transition” must be embedded in law, ensuring that development is inclusive, transparent, and equitable for all Fijians.

He adds that collaboration between Government, civil society, academia, and local communities is essential to achieving sustainable development.