A call has been made for clearer interpretations and definitions in the Mining Act 1965 and Quarries Act 1939 to distinguish between land ownership and mineral rights.
Vatukaloko, Ra native Sele Tagivuni told a review committee that clear demarcation was critical for protecting the rights of landowning units while regulating mineral extraction.
“There needs to be an articulate demarcation between land ownership and mineral ownership,” he said, noting the importance of precise legal definitions.
Mr Tagivuni emphasised that surface land rights belonged to landowning units unless mineral ownership was confirmed through comprehensive assessment.
He acknowledged that existing legislation did not specify a “six feet” rule for resource ownership but said separating surface land from minerals was foundational for the review.
His remarks were supported by Mineral Resources Technical Advisor Dr Apete Soro, who confirmed the need for clarity in the application of the law.
The review committee will consider these recommendations as it works to update the legislation and ensure fair and equitable benefit sharing for landowners.
