Development
strategies that exploit non-renewable natural resources have been
widely criticized in recent years for their environmental, economic,
and social consequences, particularly in island economies. After
seventy-three years of operation, the Australian company Emperor Mines
Ltd. announced the sudden closure of the Vatukoula gold mine in Fiji.
That day, 1,760 mine employees, their families, local businesses, and
government officials were shocked to learn that their source of
livelihoods had abruptly disappeared. This film offers constructive
lessons for communities struggling to harness wealth from their natural
resources while striving towards sustainable development.
