Rock of gold

While gold mining may provide livelihoods for some remote communities, it also raises serious environmental and health concerns due to land disturbance and the use of ore processing chemicals. It is important for mining communities to understand the risks and benefits of mining, particularly in developing countries where lack of environmental legislation may hinder corporate accountability. This film tells Vatukoula's story, documenting the environmental and health risks created by the gold mining industry over seven decades. Vatukoula also happens to be located only a few miles from the source of one of the world's most recognized brands of bottled water, FIJI Water. While pristine water is being bottled and shipped across the globe, the community of Vatukoula has been struggling for decades for simple access to clean drinking water. This film explores the complex connections between industry, community and the global environment from the local Fijian perspective, and offers lessons for communities that are struggling to harness the wealth from their natural resources while striving for sustainable development.