Fiji ministry claims full transperancy in FPIC for bauxite mining in Bua

In response to the recent furore created by Bua Urban Youth over the non-obtainment of Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the landowners of Fiji's Bua Province, before any bauxite mining process, Malakai Nalawa, Ministry of Land's deputy secretary said, bauxite has been mined only at Naibulu and Nawailevu, and chiefs from both areas have given their full consent for the project.

The companies currently carrying out bauxite mining operations in these two areas have rightfully obtained permission from their chiefs, Mr Nalawa updated.



Nevertheless, BUY representative Vani Catanasiga demands the official must go beyond the chiefs' approval and ask for individual consent of the landowners, as the youth body thinks that chiefs' consent may not voice the true intent of the landowners in this matter.

Ms Catanasiga said, there was need for creation of more dialogue spaces between landowners and the bauxite mining companies, so that they can further discuss the benefits and disadvantages of mining in the areas before any final decision is reached.

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