Fiji and Australia are strengthening cooperation on mining reforms, land administration and workforce development as part of the Vuvale Partnership.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo led a Fijian delegation on an Australian Government-supported visit to Brisbane and Canberra from September 14 to 18.

The delegation, accompanied by Fiji’s High Commissioner to Australia Ajay Amrit, held discussions with Australian government agencies, institutions and industry stakeholders on areas where technical expertise could support Fiji’s ongoing reforms.

In Brisbane, discussions focused on Fiji’s proposed Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill, digital land records, geological mapping, major project coordination and opportunities for skills development.

The delegation also engaged with the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation on approaches to community consultation and benefit sharing in resource development.

In Canberra, Vosarogo held bilateral meetings with Australian ministers and officials, while the delegation also visited Geoscience Australia for technical discussions on geological data systems.

Vosarogo said the visit demonstrated the practical value of the Vuvale Partnership as Fiji works to modernise laws and institutions governing its land and mineral resources.

“Fiji is building the legal and institutional foundations for a mining sector that works for our people and our future generations,” Vosarogo said.

He said Australian expertise and support would contribute to Fiji’s work on the Mineral Exploration and Exploitation Bill and the wider review of land laws.

The reforms build on work already underway in Fiji to modernise land administration and mineral resource legislation, including the digitisation of land records, survey information and geological data.

Outcomes from the Australian visit are expected to guide further technical cooperation between Fiji’s Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources and its Australian counterparts.