Dome Gold Mines reports steady progress on its Sigatoka heavy mineral sands project despite delays in a government-led river desilting program, while exploring funding options for its Nadrau copper-gold project in Fiji.
- Government desilting program delayed by local objections despite strong community support
- Geotechnical drilling completed at Sigatoka, advancing feasibility study
- Special Prospecting Licence SPL1495 renewal recommended by authorities
- Exploration funding options being considered for Nadrau copper-gold project
- Fiji Minister signals environmental assessment and mining law reforms
Desilting Program Faces Delays Amid Local Objections
Dome Gold Mines Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary Magma has been selected as the contractor for the Fijian Government’s Emergency Desilting Program of the Sigatoka River, a critical initiative aimed at flood prevention and community benefit. However, the program’s commencement has been delayed due to objections from the Jubaniwai Yaubula Committee, representing local iTaukei landowner interests. Despite this, Dome notes strong local support evidenced by a substantial petition, and remains confident that negotiations between government ministries and stakeholders will resolve the impasse.
Progress on Sigatoka Feasibility Study
During the September quarter, Dome completed a key geotechnical drilling program at the Kulukulu South area of the Sigatoka project. Samples have been dispatched to New Zealand laboratories for analysis, a crucial step toward finalising the engineering design of the sand processing plant and completing the mine plan. This progress marks a significant milestone in the definitive feasibility study, bringing Dome closer to potential production commencement.
Regulatory Developments and Licence Renewal
A meeting with Fiji’s Minister of Lands and Resources, Honourable Vosarogo, revealed important regulatory updates. The requirement for a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) at the exploration stage will be replaced by an approved Environmental Management Plan, with the full EIA deferred until mining approval. Additionally, the draft of a new Mining Law is nearing final review, with parliamentary approval expected by mid-2026. Meanwhile, Dome’s Special Prospecting Licence SPL1495 expired in April 2025, but renewal for another three years has been recommended, ensuring continuity for the Sigatoka project.
Exploration Funding and Other Projects
On the Nadrau copper-gold project, Dome is actively exploring funding avenues to support upcoming airborne geophysical surveys and ground investigations. The project holds promising potential for porphyry copper-gold and high-grade gold-silver vein discoveries, drawing parallels with notable Fijian mines. No exploration activity was reported for the Ono Island gold project during the quarter. Dome’s expenditure for the period was $297,000, predominantly allocated to Sigatoka’s feasibility study, with the company holding $314,000 in cash at quarter-end.
Corporate Engagement and Financial Position
Dome continues its engagement with Fijian regulatory bodies and industry groups, participating in the Mining and Quarry Council under the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation. This involvement supports transparent policy development and responsible resource management. Financially, Dome maintains access to unsecured loan facilities totaling $5.6 million, with $560,000 drawn, providing a buffer for ongoing activities as it advances its projects.
Bottom Line?
As Dome navigates regulatory shifts and community dynamics, the next phases of feasibility and exploration funding will be pivotal for its Fiji ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the resolution of local objections impact the timeline of the Sigatoka desilting program?
- What are the implications of the new Mining Law draft for Dome’s project approvals and operations?
- What funding strategies will Dome pursue to advance exploration at Nadrau and beyond?