Government says claims by SODELPA MP Viliame Gavoka that sand mining will negatively affect the Sigatoka riverbank community’s livelihood are not backed up by scientific evidence.

Mr Gavoka also claims that mining will also deprive them of their ancestral fishing grounds as a result of destruction of their environment.

Government says part of the mining lease permitting process is a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study which also serves to address any concerns related to mining and encourages public participation.

But, it adds, this will only be effected if Magma Mines applies for a mining lease, so we will cross that “bridge” when we get there.

Mr Gavoka and a number of SODELPA and National Federation Party MPs went to Sigatoka and met landowners yesterday. This came after the MPs walked out of Parliament on Tuesday. They told the landowners they would keep up their battle to stop mining after their petition was not accepted by Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

The Government says in terms of concerns for future generations, it is focused on sustainable mineral exploration and mining practices that will ensure that any project achieves environmental, social and economic balance.

There were also claims of health problems caused by mineral dust.

The Government says any environmental issues which may give rise to health concerns will be addressed via the EIA process if Magma Mines applies for a mining lease. As such, it adds, it is imperative that landowners/communities actively participate in the EIA process, including public consultations, to raise any concerns with relevant agencies involved in the EIA process.

For clarity, it says, iron sand mining (including dredging for mineral extraction from the riverbed/seabed) is undertaken in a controlled and regulated environment as compared to the generation of sand dust from unregulated sand extraction as well as the effect of the South-East trade winds on the Sigatoka sand dunes and surrounding areas in terms of release of sand dust into the environment.

The petition also specified, large areas of Koroua Island were lost when the drilling commenced which caused distress to the people.

Government asks where is the justification to prove this? Has it been scientifically proven?

It says exploration drilling cannot cause large areas of land to just “disappear”.

Contrary to claims in the petition, the Ministry is not ignorant of the need to protect and conserve traditions, cultures and beliefs of iTaukei landowners.

Hence, the Mineral Resources Department’s wider consultation with other relevant agencies includes the Fiji Museum, Native Lands and Fisheries Commission, Depts. of Forestry and Agriculture etc. as part of the mineral exploration licence application process for initial award.

The active involvement of landowners is encouraged in all phases of a mineral development project and also ensures that exploration companies undertake periodic visits to and undertake consultations with landowning units within their exploration footprint.

Government says Prime Minister’s active involvement in the Conference of Parties (COP) clearly articulates the current government’s intention to promote and harness sustainable development.

This sentiment is embraced by the Ministry in its efforts to ensure sustainable mineral exploration and mining practices.

Edited by ivamere Nataro

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj