FLP Calls for Investigation Into Minister Vosarogo Over Landowner Disputes

The Fiji Labour Party (FLP) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as unilateral decisions made by Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, in relation to mineral exploration projects across the country.

In a statement, the FLP said several indigenous landowning groups had voiced strong objections to recent decisions made by the Minister, particularly the granting of an exploration licence at Mt. Kasi to Vatukoula Gold Mining Company Ltd (VGML), despite the landowners’ preference for Australian-based Aquilo Gold.

The Mataqali Naveitokaki of Wailevu West in Cakaudrove is at the centre of the dispute, accusing the Minister and his team of using coercive tactics to pressure the group into accepting VGML.

Spokesman Emori Bukadina has called for an internal disciplinary inquiry by the People’s Alliance Party, alleging that Vosarogo has been “persistently attempting to coerce” the mataqali.

A letter from the Mataqali to the Ministry in June 2023 expressed confidence in Aquilo Gold’s capabilities and urged the rejection of VGML’s application.

They have since written to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, rejecting the Minister’s claims in Parliament that consultation had been ongoing since 2020.

“Those were not consultations, but rather attempts to coerce our mataqali into accepting Vatukoula Gold Mine,” the letter stated.

Separately, ten Tikinas in Ba have also complained of a lack of consultation regarding mineral exploration decisions in their region, saying they want to be involved in decision-making from the outset.

The FLP further questioned the Minister’s approval for the export of gold concentrates to China for final processing by VGML, citing a lack of transparency over the verification of gold content, and concerns about the return of wealth to Fiji.

The party has also raised conflict of interest concerns, noting that Vosarogo’s law firm reportedly represents Chinese mining interests in Fiji, including VGML’s majority shareholder, Shandong Zhaoqing Group.

“It is essential the Prime Minister investigates whether the Minister’s actions serve the national interest or benefit foreign mining companies without due Cabinet or parliamentary oversight,” the FLP said, criticizing the Opposition’s silence on the matter.