Chaudhry Raises Alarm Over Alleged Vatukoula Gold Mines Export Scam

Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has called for an immediate investigation into what he describes as a gold smuggling scandal involving Vatukoula Gold Mines Ltd (VGML) and its unauthorized export of gold ore concentrates to China.

Chaudhry questioned why, for the first time in Fiji’s mining history, gold concentrates are being exported instead of gold bars, which yield higher foreign exchange earnings and tax revenues.

He also accused Mines Minister Filimoni Vosarogo of failing to provide transparency on the matter.

According to Chaudhry, several containers of gold ore concentrates were found at a haulage yard in Lautoka awaiting shipment, despite the Director of Mines, Apete Soro, having no prior knowledge of the export.

He claimed that Labour’s exposure forced the Director of Mines to investigate and subsequently hesitate to approve the shipment.

Vosarogo denied claims that 20 containers had already been shipped to China, but Chaudhry demanded an explanation as to who authorized the transport of 700 tonnes of gold ore to Lautoka without the Director’s approval.

He further questioned if previous shipments had already left Fiji illegally, warning that such actions could involve high-level corruption and serious criminal offenses.

Chaudhry urged the Director of Mines to halt any further shipments, conduct a thorough investigation, and hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing that Fiji stands to lose millions if such practices continue unchecked.