Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697730858504.pdf (Fiji)
M I N I S T R Y O F L A N D S & M I N E R A L R E S O U R C E S MLMR ANNUAL REPORT AUGUST 2019-JULY 2020 Table of Contents S T N E T N O C 01.

Letter to the Minister 02.

Permanent Secretary's Overview 02.

Vision l Mission l Values 03.

Ministry Overview l Structure 04.

Overview of Department of Lands 05.

Overview of Mineral Resources Department 06.

Executive Support 07.


Financial Report Annexures M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 1 P: (679) 3313555 FAX: (679) 3239754 MINISTRY OF LANDS & MINERAL RESOURCES HEAD OFFICE, iTaukei Trust Fund Board Complex, Nasese http://www.lands.gov.fj landsinfo(a)govnet.gov.fj Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources PO Box 2222, Government Building, Suva Hon.

Jone Usamate Ministry for Lands & Mineral Resources iTaukei Trust Fund Board Complex, Suva.
Dear Sir, It’s my pleasure to present to you the 2019/2020 Annual Report covering the work of the Ministry for Lands & Mineral Resources for the Financial Year ending 31st July 2020.

The report highlights the Ministry’s service deliveries to the people of Fiji and how it has contributed towards the Fijian Government’s national development plan in alignment with the Financial Management Act 2004 and the 2013 Fiji Constitution.
The report also illustrates the commitment of our staff and the achievements of the Ministry’s projected programmes towards building a better Fiji.
Yours Faithfully Dr. Raijeli Taga (Mrs.) Permanent Secretary for Lands & Mineral Resources M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 1 PERMANENT SECRETARY LANDS & MINERAL RESOURCES I OVERVIEW This financial year was filled with opportunities and events worth reminiscing and be thankful for the accomplishments and progress made by the Ministry so far.
While preparing this year’s Annual report, I would like to commend the Senior Management for their dedication and influential leadership role in maneuvering officers in the right direction.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic led to total halt in daily operations that prompted reduction in Government budgets allocated to the Ministry.
Nevertheless, the Ministry re-strategized by adopting new innovative ideas, persevered, worked as a team, and committed itself to uphold the Vision, Mission and Values that it stood for.

Some major highlights of the year include the: approval of the Vanua View Online Cabinet Paper whereby customers have access to view the Vanuaview data with a click of a button; Acquisition of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to assist collection of remote sensing data.
Also, five (5) officers received their drone pilot license; official handing over of cheques paid to the land owning units for the Mataqali Volivoli for the subdivision and leasing of fourteen (14) agricultural lots in Savusavu; and empowerment of our women with the appointment of the: Permanent Secretary - Dr. Raijeli Taga; Director Lands - Ms. Irena Nayacalevu; Chief Valuer - Mrs. Farzana Khan as; Divisional Land Manager North - Mrs. Mereadani Tuitubou; Chief Environment Officer - Ms. Sereima Koli; Senior Administration Officer - Ms. Meresiana Tawake; and Senior Scientific Officer - Ms. Ani Tamata.
T N E M E T A T S Likewise, I also wish to commend the hard work and dedication of all staff of the Ministry for their efforts and contributions towards achieving the targets set out at the beginning of the financial year not forgetting those that had dedicated their lives in combatting this deadly virus through secondment to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 2 OUR VISION Vibrant, Equitable, Dynamic Management of our Land & Minerals for a Sustainable Environment and Economic Future.
OUR MISSION Implementing the established platforms by: Vigorously executing government’s reforms and policy initiatives on lands, mineral and groundwater Resources; I I V S O N Providing outstanding administrative and facilitative services to our I I M S S O N I I V A L U E S customers without compromising the relevant legislation and policies; Adopting appropriate technological changes and modern approaches to ensure timely and quality services; Strengthening revenue information system and improving revenue collection; Embracing a corporate culture by adhering to the Service Excellence Framework and the Ministry’s Service Charter; Leading, motivating and developing team leaders and members to be effective and efficient in all formal engagements; Developing a sense of societal and environmental responsibility; Recruiting, developing, motivating, rewarding and retaining capable personnel through good leadership and conducive working environment.
OUR VALUES In addition to the Civil Service Values contained in the Public Service Act 1999, the Ministry aspires to achieve the following values: Honesty & Integrity Commitment Responsiveness Sharing and Caring Respect & Equity Professionalism Transparency and Accountability Innovation Inclusivity M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 3 MINISTRY'S OVERVIEW The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources administers all state lands and regulates all mineral resources and groundwater resources in Fiji through its two major departments; the Department for Lands and Surveys and, the Department of Mineral Resources.
As the ministry aims to work in partnership with its lessees, stakeholders and potential customers to promote socio-economic growth to state lands, mineral and groundwater resources, it also ensures that its regulatory arm is upheld for the purpose of sustainable development.

The ministry is governed by a number of legislations, regulations and policies for which it is accountable to and ensures that they are being followed.
They include: Both the departments implement their activities and programmes in a manner to foster, integrate and balance development, environmental sustainability and social equity.

In summary, this report gives the reader a bird’s eye view on how the state lands and mineral resources were administered and managed with its financial undertakings of all project works and activities in the financial year.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 4 OUR STRUCTURE MINISTER HON.
JONE USAMATE PERMANENT SECRETARY DR. RAIJELI TAGA DIRECTOR CORPORATE SELINA TALEMAISAINIAI PRINCIPAL RESEARCH OFFICER ELIZABETH CAVUILATI MANAGER GEOLOGICAL SERVICES JONATI RAILALA MANAGER MINES RAYMOND MOHAMMED DEPUTY SECRETARY JALE KUNAWALU MANAGER GEOLOGICAL SURVEY RIGIETA RAVUIWASA DIRECTOR MINERAL DEVELOPMENT RAYMOND MOHAMMED (ACTING) DIRECTOR GEOSPATIAL MEIZYANNE HICKS DIRECTOR LAND USE TARAIVINI RATUMUDU CHIEF ENVIRONMENT OFFICER SEREIMA KOLI GEOSCIENCE LITIA TAKALAIYALE DIRECTOR LANDS IRENA NAYACALEVU SURVEYOR GENERAL ASAKAIA TABUA ASSISTANT DIRECTOR LANDS JOSEFA VUNIAMATANA CHIEF VALUER FARZANA KHAN DIVISIONAL LAND MANAGER CENTRAL/EASTERN JANICE RUEBEN DIVISIONAL LAND MANAGER NORTHERN MEREDANI TUITUBOU DIVISIONAL LAND MANAGER WESTERN APISAI VULAWALU M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 5 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 6 SURVEY DIVISION OVERVIEW The survey division continues to aim for excellent service at the workplace through consistent training and development on the use of modern survey equipment and the latest survey software.
The engagement of project officers in various projects greatly assists in the timely completion of our capital projects.

The Development of state land by the Survey Division is aligned to the National Development Plan through Government’s endeavour to sustainably convert idle state land to productive use.

The division in this financial year continue to carry out the upgrading of Fiji’s Geodetic Datum to international standard.
Also, as part of its responsibilities, the division carries out maintenance works of existing subdivisions including the upgrading of deteriorating access road, footpath, drains and retaining walls.

STAFF STRUCTURE The Surveyor General is the head of the Survey Division, with 2 principals: a Principal Surveyor and a Principal Plan Examiner.

The division has a total of forty eight (48) Staff.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF TARGETED STRATEGIES SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES Survey Plans Approved as to Survey TARGET OUTPUT ACHIEVEMENT/PROGRESS 240 477 National Geodetic Infrastructure Talenaua – Navua Secondary Control Survey Network Adjustment,Loops & Misclosures, and Transformations - completed Survey Plan drawing – completed and lodged SO 8507 phase I SO 8720 Phase II – Approved 1.

2.
Upgrade of Geodetic Datum Mounting of solar panel and back up battery (Lakeba, Ono-i-Lau, Koro) Field campaign Processing and development of new parameter set for Fiji Datum Provision of Solar & backup power for Lakeba, Ono and Koro Reconnaissance of Control points for field campaigns Field campaign – Completion of field campaign M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 7 CONTINUED SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES Survey of Mahogany TARGET OUTPUT ACHIEVEMENT/PROGRESS Naboutini Lot 8 Lot 12 Lot 1 Lot 9 Nukurua Lot 3 Lot 4 Lot 5 Lot 6 Lot 26 Survey of Government Stations on iTaukei Land DLOCE Koro Biofuel – Lomaiviti Gasele Nursing Station – Kadavu Hybrid Project Site – Vunisea, Kadavu DLOW Tulalevu Reservoir, Sigatoka Nausori Highland Nursing Station, Nadi Wairabetia Industrial Zone, Lautoka DLON Tawake Government Station Tawacalevu Agriculture Station Dogotuki Seismic Station – Macuata Wainigadru Fisheries Station Field work 100% and plan drawing in progress Commenced field verification 90% completed Field verification 90% completed Commenced field verification 100% complete.
Survey plan SO 8826 was lodged for assessment and approval 100% complete.

Survey plan SO 8978 was lodged for assessment and approval 80 % Completed.

Work was affected because of COVID - 19 Work not completed due to COVID - 19 SO 8842 100% complete.

Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting.

100% complete.

Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting.

100% complete.

Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting.

100% complete.

Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting 100% complete.
Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting Project on hold after some consideration 100% complete.

Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting.

100% complete.

Scheme plan submitted to TLTB for vetting.


Project moved to next financial year due to COVID-19 restrictions Project moved to next financial year due to COVID-19 restrictions M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 8 CONTINUED SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES Survey of NG2 Maintenance of Existing Subdivision TARGET OUTPUT ACHIEVEMENT/PROGRESS Peripheral survey of 10km Conducted peripheral survey of 5km 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
2.

3.

4.

5.

Construction of access road completed Construction of driveway completed Construction of 128m access road completed Upgrade of access road completed Construction of access road completed 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Koroqaqa Lot 2 SO 1462 – Construction of Access Road – Baulevu Kinoya Subdivision Lot 5 R 1810 4/16/773 - Construction of Driveway – Suva Lomolomo Lot 10 ND5038 – construction of 128m access road – Nadi Valebasoga (pt of) DP5576DP4335, DP10417 AND LOTS 1, 3&7 M1773 – upgrade of access road Rara (pt.of) SO 3030, M 2967& SO 3942 – construction of access road Development of State Land Vakamasisuasua Subdivision No civil work carried out on the ground Held meetings with relevant stakeholders to rectify the defects and to address new requirements imposed by approving agencies Joint inspection was carried out with WAF to rectify connection from the subdivision to the existing WAF Revision of the engineering plan Met requirements of FRA and EFL Survey Equipment Calibration Ad – Hoc Survey Works 45 calibrations 60 calibrations 1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

Nakasi Sukuna Road Waidra Redefinition of State Freehold Land in Levuka [L 228A] – DP 11603 Koro Fisheries Station Land Title Survey – Lomaiviti 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
60 Survey was done to determine field works that were carried out Topographic survey conducted to determine location of old monuments Survey was done to determine field works that were carried out Lodged at Plan Assessment Unit for assessment and approval Scheme plan lodged to iTLTB for Vetting and Approval M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 0 9 CONTINUED SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES Exemption of Coordinates Survey Plan TARGET OUTPUT ACHIEVEMENT/PROGRESS A total of seven (7) requests were assessed and completed 1.
2.

Plans lodged for assessment and approval Plans Approved 1.

2.
SO8193 , SO8507 , DP 11441 , SO 7991 , SO 8711, DP 10338 , SO 6382 , SO 8825 , SO 8257 , SO 8463 , SO 8643 , SO 8646 , SO 8510 , SO 8418 , SO 8487 , SO 7288 , DP 11148 SO8129 , SO8061 , SO8720 , SO 8643 , SO 8660 , SO 8594 , SO 8488 , SO 8339 Scheme Plan Four (4) Resubmitted Survey Plans also lodged to PAU for approval The following training was provided to survey division staff: Global Navigation Satellite System Operational Workshop United Nations Noosa Global Navigation Satellite System Training Global Positioning System Operators Training – Secretariat of the Pacific Community Fiji Public Service Survey & Draughting Examination FIS Forums Two Trainings was conducted for 12D Software and Auto CAD CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD NO.
1 2 CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD Rugged terrain and remoteness of some work sites.

Teams had to depart early and work overtime.

Be committed and make sacrifices whilst working through rainy and rugged conditions Complexity of the Projects eg Datum Project Strengthen collaboration with development partners M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 0 LANDS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION OVERVIEW The processing and issuance of lease is one of the core function of the Lands Department.
The National Development Plan looks at improvement, efficiency and effective land use administration process.

The division ensures that all state land are being utilized to its full potential and aims to provide equal land opportunities to all.

STAFF STRUCTURE The Lands Section is headed by the Assistant Director Lands (ADL).

The entire Lands Administration division consists of a total of fourteen (14) staff.

There are 4 sections within the division: 1.

2.

3.

4.
2.

3.

4.

Stamping/Registration and Land Dealing unit; Foreshore Development unit; Sustainable Land Use & Development unit; and Schedule A & B unit.
ACHIEVEMENTS, SIGNIFICANT TRAININGS AND EVENTS ASSIGNED ACTIVITIES TARGET OUTPUT ACHIEVEMENT/PROGRESS Total number of Leases, Approval Notice of Lease, Tenancy At Will, Variation of Lease, Re-entry, Licenses prepared – Target Consent to Transfer, Mortgage, Subletting, Caveat, Subdivision, Build, Legal Proceedings, Evict, Connect Water Meter, Connect Electricity, Rezoning – Target Awareness for Climate Change Adaptation through Public Consultations on Foreshore Developments (Waiver of Fishing Rights) Preparation of Licenses Ministerial Consent Stamping Registration 1300 1470 2,364 2783 23 60 60 744 744 25 55 144 956 880 M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 1 CONTINUED ASSIGNED ACTIVITIES TARGET OUTPUT ACHIEVEMENT/PROGRESS Advertisement of available lots and its allocation Reversion of State Schedule A & B Land Land Use Planning & Development Integrated Land Use Concept Plan State Land Use Master Plan Report 24 120 2 reports 1 report Research Publications – Geological Hazard Assessment and Earthquake Monitoring 23 100% 91% 90% 90% 25 CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD NO.
CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD 1 2 3 COVID-19 Pandemic Lack of Capacity Building Adherence to the MoH Covid-19 pre-cautionary measures.

Encourage multi-skilled workforce.

Staff rotation.

Increase in Illegal sand/gravel extraction activities Introduction of relevant law to penalize illegal sand/gravel extraction activities.
Joint inspection with MRD, Environment & DLOCE Joint inspection with MRD, Environment & DLOCE M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 2 VALUATION DIVISION OVERVIEW The Valuation Division is headed by the Chief Valuer who is also the Chief adviser to Government on all valuation matters.

The division undertakes valuation works for Government ensuring equitable compensation payment for properties acquired for capital projects.
All state owned assets in towns and cities are liable for rates and the division ensures all dues are paid in accordance to Local Government Act, 1972.

Also, the division is responsible for iTaukei land Leases to State ensuring that proper valuation and negotiations with iTaukei Lands Trust Board and private landlords are done.
There are three main Sections within the Valuation Division namely; Acquisition and iTaukei Leases to State and Special Valuation, Rating Valuations, Statistics & Property Market Research Section and Rental & Estates 1.

2.

3.

STAFF STRUCTURE The Valuation division is headed by the Chief Valuer and consists of 3 major Sections; Acquisition, iTaukei Leases to State (TLTS) , Special Valuations , Rating, Statistics and Property market and Rental and Estates Section.
The division has a total of fifteen (15) staffs.
ACHIEVEMENTS, SIGNIFICANT TRAININGS AND EVENTS The Valuation division has had an eventful and demanding financial year where staff have had to multitask in order to achieve its set out target and meet its regulatory function and role SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION TARGET ACHIEVEMENT Land Acquisition For Public Purposes 20 11 Acquire and transfer Land Interest to State Verify and approve valuation basis and Valuations undertaken for all statutory bodies (Fiji Roads Authority/Water Authority of Fiji)/Land Use Division Special Valuation Asset Valuation For Financial Management <10 23 M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 3 CONTINUED SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION TARGET ACHIEVEMENT Administration of iTaukei Leases to State Applications of New Leases submitted to iTLTB.
10 5 (Qtr.

3 & 4 – Follow ups were done and counter offers were facilitated) Applications for Renewal of iTaukei Lease submitted to iTLTB.

15 5 Reassessment of Rent on existing iTaukei Land Leased to State Assessment of Premiums for Non-Government Schools 25 10 3 Lease documents received 1 AFL endorsed; sent to TLTB 1 acceptance lease offer Follow ups with TLTB were being done for applications lodged.
28 12 Municipal Councils Rate Demand Notices Consult municipal councils for their rates demands and complete verification 650 1,111 Sexennial revaluation Rating Valuation for Municipal Councils.
3491 Ba Revaluation- 1,749 Rakiraki – 734 Nasinu – 1020 3503 M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 4 CONTINUED SPECIFIC AGENCY OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES FOR IMPLEMENTATION TARGET ACHIEVEMENT Maintenance of valuation roll Undertake Roll Maintenance valuation for local authorities under the Local Government Act 1972 100 198 Sales Information Collation of property sales data 1,500 1,220 Property sales Property Market Report Production of monthly property sales.
Production of Property Market Report 150 1 264 1 (Ba Town Property Market Report completed in 4th Qtr.)

Rental reassessment Collate data on leases due for reassessment in 2019 and undertake assessment of rental.
1, 276 1, 675 Assessment of rentals/leasehold market value/premium Undertake and submit valuation requests for issue of new leases 320 813 Assessment of penal rent Assessment of penal rent for breach of lease conditions completed 45 28 (On request basis only) Valuation for government renting (office accommodation & quarters) Rental valuation for Government quarters completed 25 42 M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 5 CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD NO.
1 CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD Lack of Capacity Building Recommend staffs to attend training and workshops Knowledge sharing Encourage staffs (valuers) to do their project and be registered NAUSORI AIRPORT EXTENSION COMPENSATION PAYMENTS The Minister of Lands and Mineral Resources, Honourable Jone Usamate paid out a total of $620,000 to 9 leasing tenants who had been affected by the Nausori Airport Extension.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 6 GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DIVISION OVERVIEW The Geospatial Information Management Division manages the ministry’s land information system, mapping and IT.
As stated in the National Development Plan for the adoption of new initiatives, the division during the financial year continuously worked towards producing and upgrading maps, purchasing of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), updating and storing of land records, approved plans and legal diagrams, ensuring quality of service with timely distributions.

STAFF STRUCTURE The Division is headed by Director for Geospatial Management (DGIM).
There are 2 Sections within the division; the Mapping and FGISS Section which are headed by their respective Principal Geospatial Officer.

Within the Mapping Unit there are 4 sections; Air Survey, Cartography, Statutory and Draughting, each headed by their own Senior Geospatial Officers.

The FGISS section also has 4 units which are headed by their respective Senior Geospatial Officers.

The Division consists of fifty (50) staffs.


ACHIEVEMENTS, SIGNIFICANT TRAININGS AND EVENTS GIM OUTPUTS Cabinet paper ACHIEVEMENT Paper has been approved by Cabinet.
The VanuaView platform allows customers to view Fiji’s land parcel information at the click of a button Maps Levuka Street Map , Viti Levu Tikina Map , Vanua Levu Tikina Map Projecting Mapping Historical Sales Reports 6/6 5/5 Approved Survey Plans Charted Verify & link of State, Freehold and i- Taukei leases/dealings 1017/1000 M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 7 CONTINUED GIM OUTPUTS ACHIEVEMENT Charting of approved Survey Plans Gravel licence mapping on GIS Update CCMS Preparation of legal diagrams Scanning of historical sales reports PPs scanned 362/240 62/16 2209/500 1619/1600 98/80 67/60 Revenue – Sales of Maps $158,924.23/$120,000 CAPEX Acquisition of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) Purchase of Large Format Scanner The purchase of the UAV allows wider coverage, especially for large-scale mapping, land/foreshore development monitoring, gravel extraction works and disaster assessment Five officers in the Division received their drone pilot license Awareness programs with relevant agencies were undertaken The scanner enabled effective management and preservation of historical land information records through digital copies.
The information is kept by the Draughting Office.

Such information is made available to any interested parties thus contribute to a ‘knowledge based’ society.

Also, since the land information is in digital format, it is thus accessible for future reference and record.

In this way people are empowered as they have access to factual data.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 8 The following training was provided to the Geospatial Division: Two officers successfully completed their Fiji Public Service Survey & Draughting Examination.

The Geospatial Information Management Council meetings continues to be a unifying arm of all GIS users in Fiji, whereby new initiatives are discussed and ideas shared.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) COURSE - Information Technology Management In Public Sector (ITMPS): e- GOVERNANCE JICA Training On ICT for the improvement of Government Capacity and Services(A) CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD NO.

CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD 1 2 3 Implementation of the approved National Geospatial Information Strategy due to the many institutions.

More awareness and collaboration with stakeholders within the geospatial information management field.
High Staff Turnover – The provision of services whilst maintaining operations in the midst of staff movement and recruitment is indeed a challenge Database Enhancement – There is a need to reinforce the use of database systems in terms of data entry and deriving analysed data to all users ·Adapt to the changing environment Identify the right staff in priority areas Regular communication and provide timely and accurate land information update to the database system.
This improves efficient lease processes, planning and better decision making Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (U.A.V) Large Format M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 1 9 LAND USE DIVISION OVERVIEW With the Government’s endeavor to advance the management of the Land Reform System; the Land Use Division was established to facilitate the utilizing of designated iTaukei Land in a manner that is in the best interest of iTaukei land owners and designated state land with a view of achieving optimal return to State.
STAFF STRUCTURE The Land Use Division is headed by the Director Land Use assisted by the Principal Land Use Officer.

There are five senior officers/team leaders and a Lands Officer directly responsible for the five technical units operating under the Land Use Division.

The Division consists of twenty nine (29) staff.


ACHIEVEMENTS, SIGNIFICANT TRAININGS AND EVENTS The Land Use Division continues to strengthen its service deliveries through empowering the iTaukei land owners to attain the maximum return from their land and collaborating with investors to develop those lands being deposited in the Land Bank.

Ultimately, such arrangements contributes towards economic growth Fiji’s GDP.
The Director Landuse was also assigned dual role to oversee the smooth running of Landuse Division and Divisional Land Manager Northern towards the end of 2019 due to the vacant position of the Divisional Land Manager Northern.

Below is the schedule of achievements by the Division aligned to its Annual Corporate Plan/Business Plan [COP] targeted outputs for the 2019-2020 financial year.
The Division suspended the construction development of Yako (construction development of 24 high end lots) due to insufficient funds available and the reduction of budget after COVID-19.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 0 STRATEGIES TARGET ACHIEVEMENT Conveyancing Consultations & Public Relations Total Acreage –viable land designated Lease Monitoring Number of designated iTaukei land surveyed Number of valuations for designated land Number of designations leased Marketing Number of designated Land Developed (CAPEX) LOU Consultation Workshop 6 73 1000 240 8 243 6 60 6 1 9 85 1000 acres 240 8 246 8 65 8 None (due to revised budget) CAPEX MATAQALI STATUS AS OF AUGUST 2019- JULY 2020 PENDING Legalega Sub-Division Variation due to new conditions imposed by WAF and FRA.
Yako Sub-Division Awaiting fund confirmation from budget Tender awarded Street lights Standalone pole Zoning of civic and religious lots.

Sewer line easement dispute.

Allocation re-directed to areas of need due to C19.

Development suspended.

LOU request for the reversion of land to LOU.

TLTB response to quantum of expenses already borne by government.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 1 CHALLENGES & WAY FORWARD NO.
CHALLENGES WAY FORWARD 1 2 3 4 Bad and changing weather condition which affected projects such as Legalega Proper planning with realistic timeline New conditions imposed by agencies that affected budget allocation Strengthen collaboration and communication Ever changing stance of Land Owning Units, in terms of boundary land designation, Trustees, payment of premiums, rentals etc.

Build a cohesive and healthy relationship with Land Owning Units at all stages of the Land Administration process.
Delay in obtaining approval from the Government Tender Board including development approval agencies in the execution of Capital Projects Prioritize the designation and development of unencumbered State Land and the valuation of these subject sites OFFICIAL HANDING OVER OF TITLE/FUNDS Minister for Lands officiated cheque payout to LOU Mataqali Volivoli for the subdivision and leasing of their 14 lots agricultural land in Savusavu.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 2 MINERAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 3 GEOLOGICAL SERVICES DIVISION OVERVIEW The Geological Services Division is tasked with the responsibilities of developing groundwater resources of Fiji and providing geological hazard assessment through earthquake and tsunami monitoring.
To facilitate such responsibilities the Division is made up of; Hydrogeology Section; Drilling Section; Laboratory Section; and Seismology Section Geo-hazard assessment are done through Geo-tech test-hole drilling.

Also, the division coordinates public awareness on earthquake and tsunamis to rural communities located along the coasts.

STAFF STRUCTURE The Geological Services Division is headed by the Manager Geological Services under the Director Minerals.
Within the Division there are four sections: the Hydrology Section headed by the Principal Scientific Officer; Drilling Section headed by the Principal Technical Officer; the Laboratory Section, headed by Senior Technical Officer and the Seismology Section, headed by the Senior Technical Officer.

There are around forty nine (49) staffs in the division.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF TARGETED STRATEGIES NUMBER OF BOREHOLES DRILLED BOREHOLE NO.
LOCATION DEPTH STATUS DISCHARGE DRILL RIG BH 19/14 Waitabu, Lakeba BH 19/15 Waciwaci, Lakeba BH 19/16 Najia, Lakeba BH 19/17a Salia, Nayau BH 19/17b Salia Nayau BH 19/18a Narocivo, Nayau BH 19/18b Narocivo, Nayau 2 BH 19/19 Nadari, Ba BH 19/20 Naua, Dreketi 24 30 45 7 9 5 9 50 60 Success Abandon Abandon Abandon Success Abandon Success Success Success 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.6 4.42 1.2 Tone 300 Rig Tone 300 Rig Tone 300 Rig Ross Rig Ross Rig Ross Rig Ross Rig Tone Lejo Fraste Rig M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 4 CONTINUED BOREHOLE NO.
LOCATION DEPTH STATUS DISCHARGE DRILL RIG BH 20/01a Navia, Ba BH 20/01b Navia, Ba 2 BH 20/02 Matawailevu, Ra BH 20/03 Nasea, Macuata BH 20/04 Vunicuecue, Labasa 75 75 40 25 70 BH 20/05 Vunimanuca 1, Seaqaqa 70 BH 20/06 Naqumu, Macuata BH 20/07 Island Chill, Tavua BH 20/08 Vunimanuca 2, Seaqaqa BH 20/09 Nayagi, Navua BH 20/10 BH 20/11 BH 20/12 BH 20/13 Matawailevu, Ra 2 Qumusea Primary School, Macuata Nayagi, Navua Rarapatu, Rakiraki BH 20/14 Cawalevu, Bua 20 0 0 25 70 20 20 40 34 Abandon Success Abandon Success Abandon Success Success Abandon Abandon Success Success Abandon Success Success Success 0 1.5 0 2.6 0 6 Tone Lejo Tone Lego Massenza Rig Tone 300 Tone 300 Fraste Rig 2.5 Tone 300 0 0 0 1.9 0 14 1.9 1.8 Tone Lejo Fraste Rig Fraste Rig Tone Lejo Tone 300 Fraste Rig Tone Lejo Tone 300 Total Number of Drilled Boreholes – 24 Total Number of Sites Drilled - 19 Total Large Islands – 14 Total Small Islands - 5 Total Successful boreholes – 14 Total Abandoned boreholes – 10 Success Rate – 73.7% LABORATORY SECTION Total of 592 water samples were analysed (including Hydrogeology, Environment and Private samples).
SEISMOLOGY SECTION One of a remarkable progress so far for the Section is the monitoring operation of seismic activities extending from the normal working hours of the day to a fully-fledged twenty four (24) hours seven (7) days of shift work operation.

The recruitment of ten (10) project officers to work on shift rotation contributed to the enhancement of their work performance.
The ongoing recurrence of seismic activities within the SW Pacific belt prompted the need to monitor and be as on watch around the clock for any potential tsunami activities and risks in Fiji.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 5 RETICULATION SITES SITES Savusavu School, Nadroga Nakorokula Village, Nadroga Qerelevu, Ba Nakavika, Ba Qelemumumu Village, Labasa Sese, Saqani Navukebuli Village, Macuata Wainivesi, Kubulau, Bua Namuka District School, Macuata STATUS Completed Completed Completed Completed Progress Progress Completed Progress Progress Groundwater Reticulation at Navukebuli M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 6 Celebrating World Water Day Celebrating World Water Day this week, the Geological Services Division of the Ministry has successfully completed the survey, drilling and the development of groundwater as a source for water supply for the following communities in Macuata: Naua, Dreketi & Nasea, Dreketi, members of these communities will now have access to safe and sustainable source of water for drinking and other uses.
CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD CHALLENGE Vacant Positions WAY FORWARD Confirmation/regularization of project posts Training for staff Provision of relevant training to staffs especially on Seismology.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 7 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY DIVISION OVERVIEW The Geological Survey Division ensures the building of resilient communities and improving livelihood through the Sustainable Development Plan by mapping of resource based sectors.
These duties includes the promotion and marketing of mineral prospects.

The Division also empowers resource owners through awareness programs of available resources to improve living standards and encourage sustainable development within the communities/village setting.

STAFF STRUCTURE The Geological Survey Division is headed by the Manger Geological Survey.

There are a total of sixteen (16) established positions.
ACHIEVEMENTS Mineral Investigation Project (MIP) There were 4 (four) prospects identified for the financial year; 1.

Vitina and Rauriko Prospect, Dogotuki, Vanua Levu 2.

Nubu Phase 2 Prospect, Nadogo, Vanua Levu 3.

Wailevu Prospect at Tikina Tunuloa 4.

Yasawa Phase 2 Prospect at Tikina Saqani, Vanua Levu Prior to any fieldwork, the observance of traditional Fijian protocols are undertaken.

Fieldwork include: geochemical sampling along rivers and creek tributaries and soil sampling along the ridges.
Geological mapping was undertaken along creeks, road cuts and ridges to identify potential alteration and mineralization zones for the Prospect and to confirm geological units and contacts.

Base maps were prepared and digitized for the prospect.

Engineering team conduct traditional sevusevu and consultation at Vaturomulo and Vatukuca Village for the Seamless Mapping Program for Korotasere area.

Pale-yellow dacite occurring along Nawi creek.

It mostly occurs along the creek beds as flows.


Specks of oxidation is evident in the hand sample.

Columnar jointed andesite unit Right Andesite dyke cutting through matrix supported breccia.

Prospects for 2019/20 period were conducted in the following areas: Yasawa Prospect Phase 2, Saqani, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu Wailevu Prospect, Tunuloa, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu 1.

2.
Table 1: Table showing figures of samples collected for the Yasawa Phase 2 and Wailevu prospects: PROSPECT STREAM SEDIMENT SAMPLES ROCK CHIP SAMPLES SOIL SAMPLES Yasawa Prospect Phase 2 77 Wailevu Prospect 35 24 of which 5 were submitted for geochemical analysis 7 of which 3 were submitted for geochemical analysis 55 25 Digitization of base maps include: Traverse maps Geology & structural maps Sample location maps (rock, sediment & soil samples) Alteration and mineralization maps M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 8 Left to Right - Officer cleaning a sediment sample along Nakavika Creek (Yasawa village) for geochemical analysis.
Officers updating field notes and photo filing at camp site, Vanuavou village.

Officer inspecting a rock specimen, Yasawa Prospect Phase 2.

Stream sediment sample collection, Wailevu Prospect.

SEAMLESS MAPPING PROGRAM The Seamless Mapping Program is carried out concurrently with the digitizing of geological map sheets for the 2 main islands in Fiji; with a total of 14 geological map sheets for Vanua Levu and 20 geological map sheets for Viti Levu.
For the 2019/20 Seamless Mapping Program the Division completed geological mapping program for seams of: 1.

2.

Geological map sheets 1 - 6 and 2 in the Vunivutu area, Nagasauva and Cawaro areas in Vanua Levu.

Geological map sheets 6 – 7 and 7 – 12 – 13 in the Korotasere area in Vaturova, Vanua Levu.
Detailed geological reports are done following the seamless mapping programs and relevant updates and amendments with all GIS layers / data are published in the geological map M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 9 Figure 1.

Alternating tilted laminated beds of bleached coarse and fine layers and Figure 17 (bottom) Glassy and green dacite clasts occurring in the Vunivia Breccia units.
Figure 18 (left) and 19 (right) Geological Mapping Traverse conducted along Naua and Saivou Creek, Korotasere.

GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION PACKAGE Population of the MIP Database and the compilation of the MIP Data Package and Mineral Marketing include a detailed summary of data collected for a prospect such as previous work and results undertaken by past exploration companies, geological information or data and geochemical results and interpretations following sampling programs.
The detailed mineral data package is compiled to promote and raise awareness on idle prospects in Fiji.

Mineral Marketing - Activities conducted under the mineral marketing component of the Mineral Investigation Project included the production of posters for the Yasawa Phase 2, Nubu Phase 2, Vitina and Wailevu prospects.

Rock samples collected during fieldwork under the MIP and seamless mapping surveys provide an update of the geological information in the geological museum.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 0 Marine Geology and Offshore Minerals The Ministry is involved in the Maritime Affairs Coordinating Committee (MACC) and the continued seaworthiness of the Department vessels.

Quarterly MACC meetings are held and organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) with discussions of all maritime affair issues.

The MACC committee is mandated through cabinet and oversees all maritime issues from the; 1.

2.
2.

3. Review of National and International Legislation and treaties, Progress with Fiji’s delimitation, negotiation of the maritime boundaries (EEZ) and finalise Fiji’s Full Submission to UNCLOS and the; Review of all Marine Scientific Research Cruise request into Fiji’s EEZ and the acquisition of all MSR scientific data.

The 19th Maritime Boundaries Working Session was held in December 2019 in Sydney, Australia.

Discussion points were focused on the: 1.

2.
2.

3. internal process of the Fiji – Solomon’s Islands treaty agreement and the deposition and enforcement of the Fiji-Tuvalu treaty document at UNDOALAS and Note verbal on the bilateral meeting with Fiji –Vanuatu [Fiji and France treaty agreement regarding New Caledonia] The Division staffs were also part of the National BBNJ Workshop that was held in March 2020 at the Novotel in Lami and the Maritime Boundaries workshop at the Holiday Inn both facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
MV Yautalei and MV Vatutalei vessels In the 2019/20 FY a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) was conducted on the MV Yautalei by the Fiji Ships & Heavy Industry Limited (FSHIL).

Approval was granted by the Permanent Secretary of Economy for the ships’ hull to be disposed along with the vessel trailer.
Geological Hazard Assessment Disaster Risk Reduction and Risk Management The Division contributes to this sub-output through the facilitation of geotechnical survey requests conducted on an ad-hoc basis that include geotechnical assessment for proposed developments, consultation and advice, geohazard and aggregate assessments as well as Rock Resource Lab test reviews and the continuous updating of the landslide database.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 1 Engineering Geology Projects undertook adhoc requests received from other government departments, communities, companies and individuals within the financial year for geotechnical assessments on new developments, geohazard mapping, landslide assessments and aggregate resources assessments.

These requests included 18 geotechnical site assessments, 11 landslides and 8 aggregate assessments that were either undertaken as preliminary or detailed surveys.
PROPOSED SOA VILLAGE HALL Soil hand auger drilling to visually assess the subsurface soil profile and consistency including ground water table Figure 19.Seismic refraction survey (geophysical survey) conducted along the proposed site for the Soa village hall to determine subsurface depth to bedrock and alluvium thickness.
GEOTECHNICAL SITE ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED 70kW SOLAR FARM SITE AT SALIA VILLAGE, KIOA ISLAND site 1 along Namosi Creek, Nadi Engineering geological mapping and creek profiling conducted along the proposed Flood Mitigation Dam Site 2 located 2.2km downstream from the proposed dam site 1 along Namosi Creek, Nadi Engineering Geological Mapping and GPS Survey over the Proposed Flood Mitigation Dam Site 1 Centreline Axis in the Namosi Creek, Nadi.
Technical officers conducting hand soil auger drilling over the proposed solar farm site, Salia Village to investigate the subsurface soil condition, profile and perched water table.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 2 MIP Posters - Through the promotion of idle prospects for further exploration by interested investors; the Division was able to produce Prospect posters for the prospects covered in the 2019/20 FY.
These posters will be displayed during roadshows and uploaded in the Department website to further support and promote a sustainable mining industry in Fiji.

Geothermal Project - Investigation for Development of Geothermal Power in Fiji focusing on the Labasa and Savusavu prospects on Vanua Levu was completed in August of the 2019/20 FY.

The main aim of the project is to identify potential sites for exploration wells.
The field component of the project involved close consultation and awareness to the relevant landowning units of both prospects, site clearance for the laying of 1200 m electric cables to form a 300 m x 300 m loop, and acquiring resistivity data in strategic stations of the prospects.

These are listed as follows: 1.

2.
Labasa prospect – 75 sounding stations (60 confirmed + 15 additional) Savusavu prospect – 45 sounding stations (37 confirmed + 8 additional) Following the fieldwork component of the project, a project report was submitted to the Department and a cabinet paper was formulated to inform Cabinet of the project and its progress following work that was undertaken in the Labasa and Savusavu prospects with a total of 120 sounding stations Geothermal briefing prior to field deployment; Capacity building training for the new graduates / MIP project officers M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 3 CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD CHALLENGE WAY FORWARD Support for capacity building opportunities The Division anticipates the opportunities for more short term and long term studies for the Division staffs to raise their capacity towards executing work.
Engagement of Field Worthy vehicles Capacity Building Opportunities Considering the high number of adhoc requests received by the Division; internal and external capacity building opportunities are missed by the officers as they are usually committed with fieldwork out in the field – missing timeline for submission of applications.
Field worthy vehicles - The Division only has one 4 x 4 field worthy vehicle; GR263 and proper management and planning of the activities of the Division to ensure the Division is able to deliver as targeted – Mineral Investigation Project (4 prospect sites in Vanua Levu), Seamless Geological Mapping (2 sites in Vanua Levu), Aggregate resource mapping, landslide assessment and adhoc requests received for geotechnical assessments.
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION OVERVIEW The Division is responsible for the assessment and monitoring of river- gravel extraction, fine sand dredging and all foreshore development leases and licenses.

The monitoring of the environmental impact of mining and quarrying activities is also a key role of the division whereby a special budget allocated for “Environmental Monitoring for Mines and Quarries”.
The Environment Division is responsible for environmental monitoring and risk assessments while the Foreshore Development unit under the Lands Administration is responsible for the issuance of foreshore leasing.

The core function of the division is aligned to the NDP Goal - A Sustainable Mining Industry by 2022, 100% compliance of operation to all environment and safety regulations.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 4 Goal: Mining - A sustainable Mining Industry Strategies: Environment Control and Safety Regulation Output: Licensing, Compliance & Monitoring Environment Law (10) Ensure SPL, Mining, Quarrying, River Gravel, and Sand Extraction license holders comply with the relevant environmental legislation as well as foreshore developers' close monitoring (8) Community Awareness of Environment Statutes Relating to Mineral Exploration, River Gravel Extraction, Foreshore, and State Land Development STAFF STRUCTURE The Division is headed by the Chief Environment Officer.
It has a total of eight (8) Staffs.
ACHIEVEMENTS MINES QUARRIES TENEMENT RGSE FORESHORE AUG 2019 1 Q SEP 2019 OCT 2019 NOV 2019 DEC 2019 JAN 2020 2 Q FEB 2020 3 Q MAR 2020 APR 2020 MAY 2020 JUNE 2020 JULY 2020 4 Q TOTAL 20 91 24 252 9 Officers conducting onsite water quality test and soil sampling for baseline data collection at TD #7, VGML M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 5 Foreshore Unit relocating to the Environment Division office, Mineral Resources Department for ease of file movement and assessment.
TANRDO officers supervisory role and reporting to Divisional Land Manager after training at the Environment Division for 1 year for RGE and SE monitoring CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD CHALLENGE WAY FORWARD Illegal RGE and SE extraction and monitoring.

The impact of COVID – 19 pandemic on lockdown and restrictions to field work movement with the reduced budget Couldn’t meet laboratory analysis turnaround time.
Lack of chemicals Strengthen joint monitoring with other stakeholders and appointment of Environment Inspectors to enforce law and regulations.

Review of work plan Option for laboratory analysis at WAF, Ministry of Agriculture and USP Option for laboratory analysis at WAF, Ministry of Agriculture and USP Issuance of Stop Work Notice to Mineral Exploration sites without advising the DMD and the Division.

Strengthen network with other relevant agencies eg Department of Environment.
Quarry Inspection TA NRDO collecting water samples and water quality for sand extraction monitoring along Rewa River M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 6 GEOSCIENCE SUPPORT DIVISION OVERVIEW The Mineral Resources Department through the Geoscience Support Division is responsible for the Administration of all corporate matters including the facilitation financial matters and the management of Mineral Resources data and publications & Provision of Geospatial services through information Technological Support.
STAFF STRUCTURE There are three Sections within the division headed by the Principal Scientific Officer.

The Division consists of twenty nine (29) staffs.

ACHIEVEMENTS Corporate Reviewed department organisation structure and aligned with P2P.

A total of 18 Contracts were processed for FY Aug 2019 – July 2020.

Due to continuous discussion with Management, the budget for Seg 1 & 2 was not overspent; despite the 5% reduction.
Post processing – vacant and renewal of contracts & project appointments [Include number.

Provide awareness and strengthening SOP in carrying out programme activities and this done through fortnightly symposium in-house.
Provide regular updates on Human Resource Information Systems [HRIS] which incorporates the digital recording of staff leave information, training attended, acting appointments etc… for ease of reference, reporting and management decision making Facilitated overseas training; staff have been identified through succession planning and training needs analysis.
Local Training M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 7 STAR The division through the Geospatial Unit was involved in the preparation and hosting of the 2019 STAR Conference held at Holiday Inn from the 19th to 22nd November, 2019.

The conference is an annual event whereby geoscience professional from abroad and locals share their knowledge, ideas and experience for the enhancement of geoscience field in the region.
Public Awareness - Coordination of department participation at the USP Open Day, school visits and roadshow.

New Office Space - The renovation of new working space for the Environment Division and Geological Survey.

This includes minor maintenance, network installation and configuration and installation of new telephone extensions.
Map/Database Development With the Geospatial Unit continuously provides support to the Geospatial needs of the four Divisions of the Department specifically for Hydrogeological water source related application, Tsunami, Earthquake, Geological, Marine, Mining and Environmental Impact Assessment applications.

The development of three databases for the Mines Division.

These are namely Gold and Silver records, Mineral Export records and the Bonds databases.
The Unit continued our major support of work to the Mines Division this year with the updating of Tenement database on mining lease information, survey pegs digitization, boundary adjustments, provision of description files and quarterly maps print out and dissemination.

268 records was recorded at the end of July for Tenements.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 8 Updating of Geospatial locations for Earthquake data into the database is conducted weekly.
End-of-year records was noted at 35509.

Mapping of red zone area in the western division with no and insufficient supply of water as identified by the Water Authority in collaboration with the Hydrogeology Section of the department.

Participate on risk assessment survey on the Mau landslides.

MIP Data Packaging - Collaboration work with Geological Survey division on the Mineral Investigation Project continued with the packaging of 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 data.
Hardware & Software The purchase of desktop and field laptop to replace the old machines and the purchase of seven GPS JUNO 5D to equip field officers during field assessment.

In addition, the purchase of new server, installation of Windows 2016 server and centralizing of data storage.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 3 9 Library Services 2019-2020 New Initiatives Undertaken By the Division The Unit continued with the reviewing of processes and implementation of the changes that are adopted by MoE in terms of the processes within the Financial Management Information System and Government Payroll system Contributed to the reviewing of the Financial Instruction and Financial Management Act Worked in collaboration with the Geological Survey division to compile Mineral Investigation Data package and update geological map sheets through seamless mapping.
New data collection methodology introduced to scientific officers.

Standard Operating System on work flow with the various Division as support to the Geoscientist work was completed and submitted Mapping of the Tsunami Awareness location surveyed by the Seismology Unit from 2013 to 2019 was digitized.

346 records was created.


CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD MINES DIVISION OVERVIEW The Mining Division oversees and facilitates development of the country’s mineral sector, and manages the development of the Mining and Quarrying Sector.

The Division aligns its work plans according to the National Development Plan (NDP) goal of “A Sustainable Mining Industry”, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
This is done through effective administration of all mineral tenements by continuous consultation/dialogue with landowners & stakeholders, efficient regulation of all mining and quarrying activities as stipulated under relevant acts and Facilitation and maintenance of a competitive minerals sector for Fiji.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 0 STAFF STRUCTURE The division is headed by the Manager Mines.

There are a total of seventeen (17) staffs.


ACHIEVEMENTS Division Consultation The Division exceeded its target of 50 consultation meetings per year as stipulated in the National Development Plan.

The consultations consisted of both landowners and stakeholders meeting.

CORE Repository Project Planning and completion of construction of the Core repository Office.

Recruitment and training of Core repository project officers.
Creation of Core repository Standard Operation Procedure Tenement Administration Successful processing of 85% renewal applications before expiry dates Exploration Tenement Expenditure Approximately $8,528,616.60 Advertising of Mt Kasi Tender Meeting with Tenement Holder M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 1 OHS Inspections and Tenement Site Visits The Mines Division through its four (4) units: Inspectorate, Resource Geology, Tenement, and Community, conducted inspections and site visits during the FY 2019 – 2020 for the following: 8 Special Mining Leases 44 Quarry sites 12 Explosive magazine sites Special Prospecting License Tenements Inspectorate Mine inspection Special Prospecting License Tenement Verification Flame Tree Waimanu Quarry pit inspection Explosives stock take M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 2 Mines Division Revenue Generation The total revenue generated from the administration of the Mining, Quarries, Explosives, Petroleum Act for the financial year 2019 – 2020 amounted to $249,093.02.
The monthly breakdown for the revenue generated for government through the administration of these various acts is shown in the table below.

Mineral Production For the Financial year 2019 – 2020, two mining companies were producing and exporting minerals namely Amex Resources Pte Ltd (Iron Sands) and Vatukoula Gold Mines Pte Ltd (Gold & Silver).

Below are the details of the mineral export data from the producing mining companies for the period August 2019 – July 2020.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 3 M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 4 Fair Share of Mineral Royalties A total of $2,856,692.87 was paid out to landowning units from royalty received from mineral production at SML 55 – Vatukoula Gold Mines Ltd mining operation.

At total of $267,855.53 was paid to the Nasomo landowning unit while $2,588,837.34 was paid to VGML as the free hold land owner.
Workshops/ Trainings Attended Consideration of the implementation of notification meetings with landowners as part of licensing process.

In this case, landowner support meeting is to be omitted.

Creation of form 18 and 13 assessment template.

Review of SOP under the Mining, Quarries and Explosives Act to streamline the vetting, preparation and issuance of certificates, licenses and permits stipulated under the acts.
Development of internal vetting checklist for licenses and certificates issued to enable more efficient processing of applications.

M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 5 Compilation of revenue received from administration of various acts.

Preparation of new registers for recording quarterly and annual reports.

Formulation of tenement inspection template.

Formulation of intern training guideline to tenement unit.

Work in progress for online report assessment with GIM.
POLICY (POLICY & MONITORING) & QUALITY ASSURANCE DIVISION OVERVIEW The Policy and Quality Assurance Division's (PQA) key role is to provide research and analytical assessment for policy support to the Minister for Lands & Mineral Resources and Permanent Secretary through Deputy Secretary.
The main function is to provide secretariat support to MLMR & PSLMR through executive support, coordination of policy/cabinet papers, systems & process monitoring, media and complaints monitoring and effective execution of two of its projects: harmonization and rental arrears collection.
The Policy & Quality Assurance has orientated its programs and activities in accordance to the overarching Ministry’s strategic priorities of the Ministry’s 2019/2020 COP, 2018-2022 SDP & Fiji’s NDP STAFF STRUCTURE The Division is headed by the Deputy Secretary and has a Principal Research Officer.

The division has a total of seventeen (17) Staffs.


M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 6 ACHIEVEMENTS M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 7 CONTINUED M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 8 NEW INITIATIVES: Policy & Reporting Verification of Quarterly Reports - Over the years, the Ministry has been verifying evidence of reports submitted by Divisional focus points.

However, a lot of paperwork was involved in this exercise.
This financial year, the unit had targeted paperless submissions of evidence through share drives.

Divisional focal points in submitting reports will than load their evidence in share drives.

So, officers within the unit can verify the evidence by accessing the share drive.

Nevertheless, there are still a few programs that would need site visits.

This is a cost-cutting measure as it reduces traveling time and cost.

It also reduces turnaround time.


Cabinet Paper Submissions – Provide one-to-one sessions with officers responsible for Divisional Papers and submissions.

This has assisted the officers in drafting papers and the type of information to be provided in alignment to government programs and their beneficiaries.

Complaints Help Desk – Issuing tickets and sending reminders to Senior Managers on their responses.
Networking – Build good relationships within the divisions and also with external parties through face-to-face meetings and visitations.

Media Creation of a standard Ministerial Newsletter – There had been no proper newsletter circulated in a timely manner until the unit began to monitor and devised a template to improve data gathering and dissemination of information.
Usage of online programmes – With the creation of Newsletter templates, a programme was identified to expedite the process of formulating newsletters.

The program has improved the formulation of newsletter to a more efficient and effective one whilst saving costs.

Quality Assurance QA activities- Devising of new forms such as correspondence forms and gravel extraction templates.
Field Deployment Report – Report findings were disseminated to the divisional land managers for their necessary action and monitoring.

Arrears Undertaking – Encourage installment payments and monitor them.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 4 9 CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION OVERVIEW In support of the Permanent Secretary’s leadership portfolio, the Corporate Services Division provides administrative management and policy in line with the Ministry’s Finance and Human Resource programmes and activities.
In this regard, the Division’s core functions have been aligned to the National Development Plan stipulations on Financial Reform, Civil Service Reform and Good Governance.

The Division has therefore strived to ensure that these activities were conducted within the legislative framework of government and at the same time fulfilling its supporting role to the dynamics of the ministry’s core functions.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 5 0 STAFF STRUCTURE The Division is headed by the Director Corporate Service.

A total of forty six [46] staffs are stationed at the headquarters main office with Divisional reps are based at the various ministry office’s.

ACHIEVEMENTS, SIGNIFICANT TRAININGS AND EVENTS The Division in alignment with the national and ministry’s planning documents has successfully implemented the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.
2.

3.

4.

Policy Support; development the of Ministry’s Annual Corporate Plan, aligned to government’s strategic development goals.
Successful implementation of the Open Merit Recruitment System (OMRS); Relevant training attended by the staff hence boosting their work performances and an improved working environment; Job Evaluation was undertaken and implemented with new salary bands; and Annual Financial Management Reform through the development of a Ministry Procurement Plan aligned to the Ministry’s budgeted resources.

Policy Support 1.

2.

3.

4.


Contribution to 2019 – 2020, Costed Operational Plan and the Strategic Workforce Plan in coordination with ministry HODs.

Coordination of Assessment Revised the CSD SOP with ISO 2015:90001 standards.

Established the Asset Management Unit in alignment to government NDP stipulations on good governance and financial reforms.
2019-2020 Performance Management the Staff Training (Overseas & Local) both attended Around trainings/workshops/conference and this has: staff 200 local and overseas 1.Led to Personal and Professional Development of staff; 32 overseas training successfully completed.

22 Local training attended 2.Officers are accredited after attending various skilled trainings, 3.Skills, knowledge gained from such trainings facilitated and corporate sectors and areas of benchmarking.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 5 1 New Initiatives Asset Management Asset Register Asset Listing Database In the last financial year, the proper management of Asset was made a top priority with the appointment of a Full Time Asset Management Officer in the 3rd Quarter of the last financial year.
The new Asset Management Officer progressed with the listing and verification of government purchased Assets for Lands Department which targeted the completion of the exercises for the Department by the end of the Financial Year and progress towards Board of Survey.

Training Unit The Learning & Development checklist for the selection of officers attending Local and Overseas Training was implemented.
Employee Management Introduction of selection of tool (Job Test) for Expressions of Interest for staffs who wish to apply for Relieving and Acting positions which is advertised internally.
Post Processing & Registry Selection Report Submission Template – This Report summarizes the interview guideline for panel members which was implemented in the last financial year (assessment period from May 2018 to April 2019) – Additionally, the redefined version of this Report was created basically to capture important and relevant information for appropriate decision making in terms of the selection of the most meritorious applicants.
Job Test Selection tools –this was an area that was further strengthened in terms of the OMRS process which specifically carried more weight in testing the core role of a vacancy.

Introduction of Recruitment and Selection checklist implemented – this is another area of business process re-engineering whereby an area was further developed to advance and strengthened important areas aligned to the Guideline and the marking criteria used by Audits.
Introduction of benchmarking of scores for shortlisting and job testing assessments implemented – Benchmarking is essential in our process.

This is a tool whereby allocated scores are duly agreed upon by all panels for which they are considered suitable for applicants to achieve in order to be shortlisted for job tests and interviews.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 5 2 Introduction of scored matrix on qualification and experience implemented – scored matrix is necessary on all panel meetings.

This is part of the process which is basically being used to score points on individual applicants based on the qualifications they provided which serves as proof of evidences.
Introduction on change in Job Test marking guide for selection panelist implemented – Job Test Marking Guide is also part of the job test that outlined in detailed with allocated weights aligned to the selection criteria as in the job description.

Introduction of payment of sitting allowance approved and implemented – incorporating this method is very helpful, especially for those trained panels outside of the government entity.
As outlined in the Guideline, this was approved and has been introduced since then only to certain positions that require external panels from outside the Civil Service.

Adoption of the ‘5S’ management tool in Registry implemented – with the introduction of this tool as part of the Unit BPR, this roll out exercise has positively impacted the work being done at Registry Section.
The Unit itself is congested with files, however this management tool has enabled an effective work continuity in terms of Land Leases File movement.

JOB FAIR IN APRIL 2019 Margreet Sowowasa of MRD advising interested individuals on how to submit applications under OMRS Guideline and the relevant functions of the Ministry.

24th National Convention Quality and Productivity for Sustainable Productivity.
M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 5 3 AUDIT FINANCIAL REPORT For the financial year end C O N T A C T MINISTRY OF LANDS & MINERAL RESOURCES P.O Box 2222, Government Building, Suva, Fiji.

3313 555 landsinfo@govnet.gov.fj M L M R | A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 5 4