Baseline Assessment of Development Minerals in Fiji

This is a report of a comprehensive study of Fiji's locally sourced mineral sector, such as sand, gravel, and crushed aggregate. Conducted by the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, it's the first holistic assessment of the sector, crucial for Fiji's infrastructure, housing, and disaster reconstruction. The study revealed the sector's significant economic contribution, estimated at FJ$190.3M-FJ$369.1M in 2017, far exceeding official statistics. It also identified outdated legal frameworks, significant environmental and social impacts from river gravel extraction, and opportunities for new mineral industries and sustainable community development through hard rock quarrying. This assessment provides the knowledge base for future interventions and sustainable development strategies in Fiji's Development Minerals sector.