Indigenous Perspectives of Mining in Fiji: The Relevance of Putting Indigenous Knowledge at the Core of Development Initiatives

ABSTRACT Mining is crucial to the development of developing countries. This article studies the perspective of Indigenous peoples of Fiji (iTaukei) on the impact of mining on their development. Considering Indigenous knowledge at the core of this research, a unique qualitative methodology that integrates Vakumuni Vuku ni Vanua (gathering wisdom of the land), using the 3D Veivosaki (meaningful conversation) and Butu Vanua (transcendence walk), was used to collect information from citizens from the Namosi Province affected by the Waisoi Mining Exploration Project. Results show a negative perception of how mining impacts the community, from creating inequity to consultation and social breakdown and environmental and health impacts, unpacking a complex interplay between economic development and socio‐environmental and cultural disruptions. This article suggests that development in Indigenous contexts cannot be properly assessed through an economic lens; rather, that justice, cultural continuity and ecological sustainability must be at the core of Indigenous development initiatives. The research proposes an Indigenous framework for sustainable development.