The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has announced public consultations on a proposed iron sands mining project involving the extraction and processing of magnetite-rich sand from the Sigatoka River and surrounding areas.
Magma Mines Pte Ltd is proposing to undertake the SPL 1495 – Kulukulu Sands, Sigatoka Iron Sands Project, which involves extracting mineral-rich sand from the Sigatoka River and adjoining deposits within the river delta.
The Ministry said the consultations form part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review process and will allow affected communities and stakeholders to raise concerns about the proposed development.
Under the Environment Management Act 2005, as amended by the Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2025, and the Environment Management (EIA Process) Regulations 2007, the company is required to undertake public consultations during the assessment process.
The Ministry said the meetings would provide an opportunity for members of the public to hear directly from the project proponent, examine the findings of the EIA report and express their views.
It said community concerns and feedback would be considered as part of the review process.
Three consultation sessions have been scheduled at Kulukulu Public Primary School in Sigatoka.
The first will be held on Friday, November 6, from 7pm to 9pm.
Two further sessions will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 10am to midday and from 6pm to 8pm.
The Ministry has also arranged bus services for participants from Nayawa, Nahigatoka/Nasama and Cuvu on both consultation days to encourage community participation.
Residents have been urged to attend the meetings and raise any questions or concerns regarding the proposed mining activities.
The consultations will give communities an opportunity to discuss the project’s potential environmental and social impacts before the EIA review process is completed.
Members of the public seeking further information can contact the Department of Environment on 3311699.
