In order to sustainably develop Fiji’s mineral potential, a provision of $1.02 million has been set aside in the 2023- 2024 Budget, which is an increase of $128,000 from last year’s allocation.
Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo said the provision was to fund mining-related policies, provide validated information for our mining investors, monitoring of mining activities and sustainably facilitating the exploration and development of the mineral and petroleum resources of the country.
During the budget debate in Parliament last week, he said they were monitoring seven mining leases, 35 exploration licences and 38 quarries.
“In order to ensure sustainable extraction of sand and gravel and other stones from rivers, an allocation of $62,000 has now been given for the baseline survey of Potential River Aggregate Sites,” Mr Vosarogo said.
“This item was asked many times during the FijiFirst government in the past but was turned down.
“With this budget, we will be able to get this baseline survey organised so we can track usage and stock against the baseline environmental concerns for river back retention across the country.”
