Customary landowners in Namosi have branded Namosi Joint Venture a squatter, demanding its immediate eviction from the Waisoi Base Camp after the expiry of Special Prospecting Licence (SPL) 1420.
The Mataqali Nabukebuke Namosi Koro Trust, which represents landowners of Nabukebuke, said NJV no longer has any lawful right to occupy the land and is now trespassing.
“The Special Prospecting Licence issued to Namosi Joint Venture has expired. Yet operations continue without our consent. We are calling on the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources to immediately enforce the law,” the Trust said in a statement.
The Trust said there has been no renewal or extension of SPL 1420, making NJV’s continued presence unlawful.
It has called on the Director of Mines to take immediate enforcement action, including measures against what it described as unlawful occupation.
The landowners also criticised what they termed continued inaction by the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, despite the clear expiry of the licence.
The Trust further condemned what it described as dismissive and unprofessional conduct by current NJV management towards landowners.
“The politicisation of landowner rights must stop,” the Trust said.
“We will no longer tolerate ongoing disruption and disrespect towards the Mataqali Nabukebuke of Namosi village.”
In a wider critique, the Trust raised concerns about the Government’s failure to meaningfully localise international protections for indigenous peoples within Fiji’s Mining Act, saying outdated colonial-era laws continue to marginalise customary landowners and deny them fair participation and benefits from resources found on their land.
“Customary landowners are too often portrayed as ‘difficult’ when they challenge systems that were never designed to serve them,” the Trust said.
“That narrative must end.”
The Trust said its position is grounded in the Mining Act, which only allows occupation while a valid licence exists and requires land restoration after licensed activities, as well as constitutional protections of customary land rights and fair administrative action.
It has formally requested written confirmation that SPL 1420 has expired, confirmation that NJV no longer has any right of entry or occupation, and immediate enforcement action.
The Trust warned that continued inaction could lead to legal proceedings, including claims for trespass, injunctions and compensation.
A meeting convened by the Trust was held yesterday at the Waisoi Base Camp, involving landowners, NJV representatives and Government stakeholders.
