Fiji Mining

Fiji is emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for mining investment, offering opportunities for U.S. firms across exploration, technology, services, and capacity-building. With major foreign-backed projects underway, strong government support, and a need for modern equipment, expertise, and training, U.S. companies are well-positioned to contribute to—and benefit from—Fiji’s next phase of growth in the mining sector.

Situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, Fiji sits on a geologically active zone where the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates meet, an area recognized globally for world-class porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold deposits. Growing global demand is also driving interest in Fiji’s geothermal resources and the potential for offshore and undersea mining, with international firms actively engaging the government to pioneer marine-based exploration and extraction.

Although mining and quarrying currently represent a small portion of Fiji’s economy, the sector is poised for significant growth. Two gold mines anchor the industry: the long-established Vatukoula Gold Mine, which has been operating for over 90 years and has produced more than 7 million ounces of gold since 1935, and the newer Tuvatu Gold Mine, operated by Canada’s Lion One Metals, which commenced full mechanized underground operations in 2024 and marks a milestone in the country’s modern mining industry. Another major project is the Namosi Joint Venture, of which 73.24% is owned by Newmont Corporation of Colorado, and focused on exploring copper-gold porphyry deposits under a Special Prospecting License in Fiji’s Namosi Province.

The government has signaled strong support for sector expansion, with the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources reporting over $51.6 million in revenue generated from mining between 2021 and 2023. In that period, seven Special Mining Leases were issued: five for gold and silver, one for bauxite, and one for magnetite iron sand. While these developments highlight momentum, challenges remain. Fiji’s Mining Act, largely unchanged since the 1960s, does not reflect modern environmental or safety standards. Companies also face obstacles with lease processes, land allocation, and the regulation of non-commercial gravel extraction. Compounding these issues is a shortage of skilled professionals in the sector, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

For U.S. companies, these dynamics create multiple entry points into Fiji’s growing mining industry. Firms can provide advanced exploration and drilling services, supply modern technology and equipment, and bring expertise in environmental management, permitting, and governance frameworks. There is also strong potential for U.S. partnerships in workforce development, where training and technical capacity-building are urgently needed. With established projects, significant reserves, and a clear demand for modernization, Fiji represents a promising opportunity for U.S. companies looking to expand in the Pacific mining sector.

For more information, contact Commercial Specialist Losana Mavaeao, based in Fiji, via email: Office.Fiji@trade.gov.