Call for Applications for Small-Grant Funding for Development Minerals ASMEs (Fiji)

This is expected to help ASMEs stay afloat while ensuring swift economic recovery and build back better.

The mining and quarrying of Development Minerals in Fiji is dominated by crushed aggregate, gravel and sand, used for construction materials, and to a lesser extent limestone, used for agricultural purposes. The sector is one of the key input providers for a large range of economic activities including construction, housing, infrastructure, farming and manufacturing. With the onset of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its related health, social and socioeconomic restrictions, this sector is one of the many also hard hit, given that its artisanal and small-scale nature calls for labor intensive work, whereas the required workforce are being faced with new and ongoing COVID-19 related restrictions.

The funding awarded to successful applicants may be up to FJD 20,000 per project. Proposals must cover at the area of interest as guided in the project proposal template.

Target: The proposed response will be targeted at ASMEs working on the pilot sites covered by Programme Phase I. Additionally, it is anticipated that it will include a larger number of ASM operators and businesses active in the sector.

Applicants should have at least participated in one of the Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop under the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, or have been a partner/stakeholder in the implementation of phase one of the programme.