Independent Peer Review – Mining in Fiji

Independent Peer Review – Mining in Fiji

2014

An established mining company required an Independent Peer Review of a potential brownfields expansion of their mine/transport/port system in Fiji. MJC Sustainability was called on as a subject matter expert in environmental, legal and social factors, as part of a broader review team.  The team completed a comprehensive third party assessment of the feasibility process including cost, schedule and implementation aspects to determine any gaps or fatal flaws.

From an environmental perspective, it is important to note that:

• Waters of the Fiji Islands contain 3.12% of the world’s coral reefs including the Great Sea Reef, the third largest in the world.
• Marine life includes nearly 400 species of coral and 12,000 varieties of fish of which 7 are endemic.
• Fiji waters are spawning ground for many species including the endangered hump head wrasse and bump head parrot fish.
• Five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle inhabit Fiji water.
• Marine Mineral Resources are creating challenges from an environmental and socio-economic perspective
• Major project development requires engagement of multi–stakeholder agencies

Having previously worked in Fiji, MJC Sustainability was able to rapidly identify the key environmental risks and opportunities requiring specific management strategies for the company and its project:

• Regulatory and legal framework (approvals process, license and leases, fiscal regime)
• Onshore maritime boundaries
• Marine biodiversity and biosecurity (National and International conventions on protected species and hazardous substances management)
• Climate change, extreme weather events and sea level rise (risks to people, assets and infrastructure)
• Strong connection of Indigenous people to the marine environment

MJC Sustainability’s focus encompassed environmental approvals and regulation, environmental impact assessment (including all matters pertaining to water, flora, fauna), social impact assessment and community consultation (including matters relating to employment opportunities and housing and associated facilities delivery), corporate affairs and sovereign risk, rehabilitation and closure for the project. The review process required MJC to develop a broad understanding of Fijian environmental regulation and approvals processes, timing and risks, as well as cultural heritage issues and management strategies specific to the project.

MJC Sustainability’s contribution to the independent peer review in terms of gaps identified and specific social impacts and opportunities related to the provision of housing and associated facilities, highlighted a few potential risks to a timely, safe and cost effective project.