Fiji has long been recognised as an area of good geological potential. Emperor Mines Limited (EML) recognised this potential back in 1932, when they established Fiji's first gold mine at Vatukoula. EML have now been operating at Vatukoula for over 60 years. By the look of EML's recent exploration results they may well be here for another 60 years. It is without doubt that Fiji is minerally prospective. But why, we ask ourselves, do we not have the same level of investor interest as exists in other Pacific Island Rim of Fire countries. A recent survey of investor attitudes indicated that investors do not appear to know much about our country, our mineral potential, our policies towards mineral sector investors, or even our mineral taxation package. In line with our on-going 10 year commitment to deregulate the economy and promote private sector investment in Fiji, we are pleased to launch this mineral sector promotional campaign. We anticipate that this campaign will mark an exciting turnaround in our country's mining history. Earlier this year Fiji committed itself to the principles contained in an Investment Policy Statement, which defined the Fiji Government's goals as increasing levels of investment, encouraging market-driven projects, rather than Government-driven ones, and facilitating rather than regulating the private sector. Within the guidelines contained in this Investment Policy Statement, the Ministry of Lands, Mining and Energy has drafted a Mineral Policy Statement. That Statement, which follows, states very clearly how a mineral sector investor will be treated in Fiji. We consider this as the first step towards increasing the level of mineral sector investor interest in Fiji. We hope that this document will help provide answers to many of your questions, and
explain clearly why you should invest in Fiji, the incentives that you will be offered,
and the level of service you will receive. Hon. Rt. Timoci Vesikula Minster for Lands, Mining & Energy
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