MINISTER FOR LANDS & MINERAL RESOURCES HON. FILIMONI VOSAROGO'S ADDRESS AT THE PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS FOR THE REVIEW OF MINING AND QUARRIES ACT

Representatives of the Fiji Law Reform Commission
Development partners and technical advisors
Industry stakeholders from the Mining and Quarry sectors
Traditional Leaders, Landowners and Community Representatives
Members of Civil Society and the Private Sector
Officials from Partner Government Ministries and Agencies
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen

Bula Vinaka and a heartfelt good morning to everyone present.

Announcement of the Review of the Mining Act
It is a great pleasure to join you today as we commence an important national conversation on the future of Fiji’s mining and quarries sector.

Today marks the beginning of the nationwide public consultations on the review of two key pieces of legislation that govern Fiji’s mineral resources — the Mining Act of 1965 and the Quarries Act of 1939.

These current Acts have served our nation for many decades, it is in many ways, a colonial relic. Enacted nearly six decades ago, it reflects a mindset that is no longer fit for purpose.

The Need for Legislative Reform
This review is being conducted in partnership with the Fiji Law Reform Commission, focusing on a legislative framework that balances economic opportunity with environmental protection and community interests – this will remain central priorities in the updated legislation.

Under this Act, all minerals are considered the property of the State, leaving iTaukei landowners—the traditional custodians of the land—marginalised. Their “consent” is not required for exploration; only a simple notification suffices. This has been a source of enduring conflict and a driver of decades-long disputes.

If we are to support Fiji’s economic growth and safeguard the interests of our people then updating this legislation is not only timely — it is essential.

This review will examine ways to clarify these arrangements to ensure that communities affected by mining activities receive fair and meaningful benefits. Beyond royalties, mining activities should also contribute to local development through employment, local procurement, and community participation.

Temporary Moratorium on New Mining Licenses
To ensure regulatory clarity during this transition, the Ministry will implement a temporary moratorium on the issuance of new mining licenses until the revised Mining Act is enacted.

However, to maintain stability in the sector, the Ministry will continue processing:
Renewals of existing Special Mining Leases (SMLs)
Renewals of Special Prospecting Licenses (SPLs)
Applications for new exploration areas

Operators should note that, once the revised Mining Act is enacted, all existing SMLs and SPLs will be reviewed and aligned with the updated legislative framework.

Public Consultation Process
The most important part of this legislative review is public participation. Consultations will take place across the country from 9 March to 18 April 2026, covering the Central, Western, and Northern Divisions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Imagine a Fiji where our mineral wealth drives sustainable growth, supports every community, and safeguards our environment for generations. This vision is within reach—but it depends on the voices and ideas of each one of you. Together, we can make it real.

These sessions will allow landowners, community members, businesses, and civil society organisations to share their views and help shape the future of Fiji’s mining sector.

There is no prescribed format for submissions—anyone can share their views in the way most comfortable to them.

What Happens After the Review
Following this nationwide consultation process, all feedback will be carefully reviewed and incorporated into proposed legislative reforms. These proposals will then be presented to Cabinet and subsequently introduced to Parliament for debate and consideration.

This Government was elected on a mandate for change. We are moving away from a colonial model of exploitation.

We are moving beyond token royalties and colonial-era compensation, toward a framework built on genuine partnership and equitable benefit-sharing.

As we move forward, I leave you with this question: How do we want our children and grandchildren to remember our stewardship of Fiji’s land and resources? The answers you share in these consultations will help write that story.

Fiji’s mineral resources are a national asset, and how we manage them today will shape our future environment, communities, and economy. This consultation process offers every Fijian the chance to contribute to that future.

I warmly encourage all of you to participate in this important national exercise. Please stay tuned to upcoming radio announcements and follow the Ministry’s social media platforms for further information on consultation dates and venues.
We are the stewards of Fiji’s natural wealth. How we manage these resources today will define the legacy we leave for future generations.

Vinaka vakalevu.

May God bless you all, and may God bless Fiji.