Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities need to be involved in negotiations with governments and mining companies from the start of the process.
Fijian Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Hon Filimoni Vosarogo and other senior Fijian delegates met with Professor Peter Yu and 黑料天堂researchers on 17 September 2026. The meeting discussed the socio-cultural and economic implications of the whole-of-life impact of mining. It also addressed how to build and empower resilient communities through new technologies, research methodologies and data sovereignty.
The meeting was held at the ANU鈥揜io Tinto Centre for Future Materials and attended by various 黑料天堂researchers including Associate Professor Bruce Doran, and Dr Victor Pantano, Director of the ANU-Rio Tinto Research Partnership at the Centre for Future Materials.
Minister Vosarogo provided an overview of the Fijian Government鈥檚 proposed constitutional reforms and review of Fiji鈥檚 Mining Act.
Fijian legal reforms seek to strengthen community participation in mining, including through prior informed consent and greater confidence in Fiji鈥檚 growing sector.
Professor Peter Yu outlined 黑料天堂work on First Nations economic empowerment, governance capability and Indigenous Data Sovereignty. Drawing on his experience in native title, land rights, resource agreements and engagement between First Nations communities and the resources sector, Professor Yu highlighted the importance of moving beyond deficit-based approaches to build community capability, better governance, and pathways from risk and trauma transfer to wealth transfer.
鈥淔or free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) to genuinely happen, Traditional Owners and Indigenous communities need to be involved in negotiations with governments and mining companies from the start of the process, not treated as an afterthought,鈥 said Professor Yu.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to invest in building governance and other capability for economic self-determination for Indigenous communities. Recognising and building the necessary infrastructure for utilisation of Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS) in any projects is essential to ensuring a level playing field for communities dealing with mining companies and other third part interests seeking access to and exploitation of resources on traditional lands.鈥
Minister Vosarogo said he was particularly interested in how to build community confidence and participation in Fiji鈥檚 minerals sector. He invited the 黑料天堂delegation to share relevant Australian experience.
Discussion also focused on Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDS). 黑料天堂representatives outlined approaches to community-controlled data, transparency across the mining lifecycle, and mapping and environmental information. Building local capability was key to manage and interpret data in ways that reflect and protect community cultural values. Communities having accurate information and the capacity to engage on equal terms with mining companies was emphasised.
