Development Minerals workshop in the Pacific
‘Development Minerals’ encompass minerals and materials that are mined, processed, manufactured and used domestically in industries such as construction, manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture. Eight of the top ten produced mineral commodities in the world are Development Minerals, which total 84% of global mineral production. These minerals, despite having relatively lower value in global commodity markets, hold significant domestic value. Their value lies in empowering local economic development and fostering broader national progress.
Compared to the metals sector, Development Minerals have stronger ties to the local economy, fostering more job opportunities and thereby can have a greater impact on poverty reduction. This is partly due to the prevalence of small and medium-scale domestic businesses in this sector.
However, there is currently a limited focus on Development Minerals in undergraduate or postgraduate education and research programmes. Yet, opportunities for geoscientists in this field are extensive, offering the potential for substantial sustainable development impact. This project aims to engage tertiary and postgraduate students in work-integrated learning and action research. By engaging early career scientists, it seeks to advance knowledge, facilitate its transfer, and promote collaboration among academic institutions, government bodies and the private sector.
Key information
Duration
2021 - 2026
IGCP Theme
Earth Resources
Project Leader
Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Fiji.
Highlights
Fiji Heritage Stone project
The "Fiji Heritage Stone Project," completed in July 2024, brought together students from The University of Queensland and professionals from the Pacific Islands, including Fiji’s MRD, to explore the cultural significance of stone in Fijian society. Led by Gary Lee and Donato Roqica of SPC, the project documented the roles of stone in Fijian architecture and traditions through a series of short stories. Its goal was to raise awareness of Fiji's rich geoheritage, protect important cultural sites, and provide recommendations for further research. The project also explored the potential for establishing a UNESCO geopark in Fiji, highlighting the long-term cultural and economic benefits for local communities.
This report marks an important first step in documenting the use of stone in Fijian society, both past and present. It aims to raise awareness of Fiji's rich geoheritage, encourage the protection of significant cultural sites, and explore potential financial benefits for local communities.
Integrated Learning and Action Research Programme
Between November 2021 and February 2022, the project implemented a global online training programme in Development Minerals, intended to give practical experience in construction materials, industrial and agricultural minerals, dimension stone, and artisanal and small-scale mining. Despite their low market value, these minerals often hold significant local developmental importance.
Developed by Prof. Daniel Franks and Dr. Gary Flomenhoft from the University of Queensland, Australia, this tailored training programme targeted international early-career geoscientists, upper-level undergraduate, and postgraduate students (at master's and PhD levels). The programme specifically welcomed participants from African, Caribbean, Pacific, and south Asian regions.
This training programme received over 300 applicants and started in November 2022 with 67 participants (25 female and 42 male) from 21 countries. The majority of participants are from developing countries, aligning with the demographic goals set by the IGCP.