Mineral and Groundwater Industry

Overview

Fiji, known better for its sandy beaches and tourist attractions, is a consistent exporter of minerals, primarily gold for over 75 years now.

Other minerals exported are copper, manganese, lead and zinc. More recently, industrial minerals (gravel/aggregates) are being produced for South Pacific island neighbours to assist in infrastructure development.

As resilient as the precious or metalliferous minerals produced, Fiji’s mineral sector has survived its share of fluctuations including a temporary production halt to its largest gold mine at Vatukoula in 2006.

In 2008, gold production resumed bringing in export earnings to Fiji’s economy. During Fiji’s history, the Minerals sector has been ranked consistently amongst the Top 5 in export earnings annually.

Recently, there has been a surge in mineral water exports led by the internationally popular “Fiji Water” brand. The success of water exports has further given confidence to entrepreneurs to develop bottling plants indicating market growth potential for groundwater from Fiji.
With an increasing global conscience for green productivity and renewable energy, the sector is primed to further grow with a number of international companies applying for rights to explore for geothermal resources.

Further, being surrounded by water, the islands of Fiji are proving attractive to investors in emerging technologies such as offshore or undersea mining with companies actively lobbying government for opportunities to pioneer a new age of mineral exploration and production – minerals from the sea!

Potential for Mineral and Groundwater Resources

The potential for expansion of the mineral sector in Fiji is quite promising given its geological formation and location in the Pacific. Groundwater resources on the other hand, shows significant potential for mineral water production.

Incentives

Mining Industries