Fiji Magnetite

Discovery

There are thousands of tons of iron-bearing sand here in the sand dunes of Sigatoka, Fiji.

See above.

Fiji's Governor, Sir Kenneth Maddocks, in February visited the Sigatoka sand dunes, where he saw these samples of magnetite deposits, which have been discovered there by a Fijian, Ilami Ratuvu. Ratuvu has been prospecting for about 10 years, and he demonstrated to the Governor how he made the find by dragging a magnet over the sand.

Picture below shows the magnet backed by a piece of paper resting on the sand. When turned over, particles of the iron sand adhere to it. It is probable that the deposits will be worked commercially.

Photos: Rob Wright