Find Mining expertise in Samoa

There are very few known mineral deposits in Samoa, although there are thought to be mineral deposits in the Pacific ocean surrounding the country’s islands. In March 2013, the government of Samoa attended regional workshops on ‘law and contract negotiations for deep sea minerals’, which were held in Tonga. The main object of the workshops was to educate government officials to allow them to engage and negotiate effectively with deep sea mining companies.

Some small-scale quarrying takes place in Samoa, including gathering sand and rock. Most of the focus of the quarrying industry is on sand mining from rivers, streams, lakes, beaches and the seabed. Sand mining activities have increased over the years, as individuals and private companies are increasingly demanding sand for construction purposes. The increased demand for sand for aggregate use has placed immense pressure on sand resources and raises environmental concerns for beach erosion. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment recognises the threats that unsustainable sand mining poses and aims to work in partnership with village chiefs and orators, commercial operators and the general public to address these issues.

There is currently no legislation in place pertaining to mining activities in Samoa. The Land Development section of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is responsible for overseeing sand mining activities in the country, as well as monitoring illegal sand mining and processing applications for sand mining activities.

EITI status

Samoa is not currently EITI compliant.