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ACTING Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification Jeffrey Kauha rubbishes the claims that the licence issued to mining firm Asia Pacific Investment (APID) was unproceedural.
In a statement in response to chairman of the West Rennell Resource Owners Association Johnathan Tohuika, Mr Kauha said the claims were grossly misleading.
“First, let me make it clear that I, as Permanent Secretary have no Authority to sign a letter to award a Mining Lease,” Mr Kauha said.
“By vitue of the powers conferred on the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification by section 36 of the Mines and Mineral Act 1990/1996, the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is the only individual authorised to grant a Mining Lease.
“That’s what the Act says.”
Mr Tohuika claimed he received a letter from the director of Mines and Energy who admitted the license was granted without proper procedures being followed.
But Mr Kauha said the process is also there guided by the Act.
“For instance, the Mineral Board has deliberated on APID’s application and has given approval to the application. There were also some conditions attached to it.
“The Cabinet also believes that the application is in order and did endorse the approval given by the Mineral Board and the application from APID.
“The Minister was satisfied that APID’s Mining Lease application was approved by the Mineral Board and that the conditions are administrative in nature and therefore, he granted the Mineral Lease to APID.
“I have no power to grant the Mining Lease. The claim that I signed the grant the Mining Lease is totally grossly misleading.
“It is therefore important that, journalists or reporters should have further your research or even contacted me or the Director of Mines to ensure both side of the stories are covered before hitting the papers.
“There are other side but serious allegations that I simply have no idea on.
“I request that if members of the Public have any queries regarding this matter, please contact me or the Director of Mines at the Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification.”
