Illegal extraction of river sand and gravel remains widespread because penalties under existing laws are too weak to deter offenders, says Mineral Resources Minister Filimoni Vosarogo.
Speaking to the media at Natewa in Cakaudrove, Mr Vosarogo said individuals caught illegally extracting river materials can face fines as low as $100 — a figure he described as ineffective and outdated.
“If you take a load of river sand or gravel and only pay $100, that’s just a slap on the wrist,” he said.
“It’s still profitable for the lawbreaker to keep going.”
He acknowledged that the current legal framework lacks strong enforcement provisions, allowing offenders to continue operating with minimal financial risk.
“At the moment, we don’t have strong enforcement provisions and the penalties are shallow.
“People do as they please, and that’s not good.”
He said a new mineral law currently in development would address both underground and surface extraction under one comprehensive legal framework.
The proposed legislation is expected to strengthen enforcement powers and introduce more substantial penalties aimed at curbing unlawful activity.
He said proper regulation would ensure the extractive industry is better policed, resourced and held accountable, while balancing the interests of Government, industry players and landowners, and protecting Fiji’s natural resources from ongoing illegal exploitation.
