FNU academic Dr Mosmi Bhim says development must not come at environmental cost

Mining cannot be truly sustainable as extracted resources cannot be replaced.

This has been highlighted by Dr Mosmi Bhim, Assistant Professor in the Department of Ethics and Governance at the Fiji National University, during the Climate Change Fallout – Development Transitions and Community Resilience: An International Talanoa on Transition Mineral Mining and Development Justice at Fiji National University’s Nasinu Campus.

Dr Bhim says countries must carefully weigh the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental protection.

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Dr Bhim highlighted that while Fiji has a right to pursue development, the key question remains: at what cost?

She explains that modern definitions of development have shifted beyond economic indicators such as income and gross national product, to focus on human well-being, dignity and freedom of choice.

Dr Bhim notes that poverty continues to limit people’s ability to fully enjoy their rights, restricting access to education, mobility and opportunities.

She also outlined several challenges facing Fiji, including low wages, unemployment, reliance on tourism, increasing informal settlements and vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters.

While mining is often promoted as a pathway to economic growth and job creation, she warned of the so-called “resource curse”, where countries rich in natural resources experience conflict, inequality and environmental degradation.

Drawing on examples from countries such as Papua New Guinea and Nauru, Dr Bhim says mining has, in some cases, led to long-term environmental damage and social instability, with benefits unevenly distributed.

She also raised concerns about Fiji’s own experiences with mining, including historical operations such as Vatukola, questioning whether communities have seen lasting benefits.

Dr Bhim stressed the importance of strong legal frameworks, environmental impact assessments and political will to ensure any development projects minimise harm.

However, she cautioned that enforcement remains a challenge, pointing to past cases where environmental protections were not upheld.