The nickel mining operations in Isabel Province raise significant concerns about unsustainable practices and their detrimental effects on the environment and local communities, particularly in the Hograno and Bugotu areas, according to the NGO, Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS). Photo: Facebook / Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons
The Solomon Islands opposition leader wants the country's minister responsible for developing the minerals sector to block the granting of a mining licence to a Hong Kong-based mining company.
Matthew Wale said on Monday that Far East Resources Company Ltd has "reportedly failed to submit a satisfactory commercial discovery report or an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)" to mine for nickel on San Jorge Island.
This has resulted in no development consent being granted, he said.
According to Wale, serious concerns have been raised by tribal leaders and landowners, who reported that the company failed to meet minimum operational standards and disregarded labour laws during its prospecting activities.
He is calling on the Minister for Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification Bradley Tovosia to act.
"These are serious breaches. No company should be granted a licence if it cannot meet the bare minimum legal and international standards," he said.
Wale said reports reaching his office indicate that the Mines & Minerals Board rejected both documents when considering the company's application for a mining license. However, Wale claims Tovosia ignored its decision.
He said Tovosia "has no power to overturn decisions made by the Board".
"The Opposition Office is also aware of reports alleging that the Far East Resources Company is engaging in overtly discriminatory practices against local workers in respect of food and safety equipment."
Wale said that if these allegations are true, such breaches of domestic law would further justify halting the proposed granting of a mining licence.
"The government must take note and clear these concerns," he said.
"It cannot entertain such entities in our mining industry, which should prioritise sustainable development, environmental protection, and the rights of our people."
Matthew Wale Photo: Supplied
Last month, the Solomon Star reported that Far East Resources Company "recently accused of illegal mining in Isabel [Province] - has taken one step further in its bid to obtain Surface Access Rights Agreement (SARA) for the rich nickel tenement on San Jorge Island".
The media outlet reported that Far East Resources was granted a prospecting license by the Mines & Mineral Board in July last year.
"The Board subsequently issued the company a letter of intent," according to Wilson Tohidi, one of the representatives of the San Jorge Island Resource Owners Association Trust Board.
"This authorises the company and landowners to engage in negotiation," Tohidi was quoted as saying.
