THE Ministry of Environment and Climate Change says it has complied with all legal requirements in its ongoing assessment of a proposed iron sands mining project in Sigatoka.
The ministry said the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for the proposed Kulukulu Sands, Sigatoka Iron Sands Project was made available for public inspection on October 2, with the statutory 21-working-day review period ending on October 30.
The project, proposed by Magma Mines Pte Ltd, involves the extraction and processing of magnetite, sand and gravel within the Sigatoka River delta area and adjoining freehold land under Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) 1495.
“The timing of media notices did not determine or alter the legal review period, which began when the report was made available for public inspection,” the ministry said.
“It also formed part of a communications strategy following Fiji’s hosting of Pre-COP31 engagements and the public holiday on October 12.”
The ministry said it had scheduled the notice for a subsequent news cycle to ensure the project received greater visibility and public attention, rather than risk it being overlooked amid extensive climate-related communications.
“The ministry has received seven electronic submissions, while attendance at the four designated public viewing locations had been relatively low.”
They encouraged members of the public, community groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to review the report and submit their comments before the October 30 deadline.
The ministry also stressed that submission of the EIA report did not constitute approval of the project.
“No decision has been made on whether the project would be approved.
“Any determination would be based on legal requirements, technical assessments, the report’s findings, proposed mitigation measures and submissions received during the consultation process.”
The ministry said it remained committed to a transparent, objective and evidence-based assessment and urged interested parties to participate before the review period closes.
