A PHYSICAL confrontation has broken out in North Rendova, Western Province between the supporters and opposers of a proposed mining operation.
The incident occurred on Sunday 13 October when a team from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) were conducting an awareness on the mining operation in Lokuru.
The division in the community over the proposed mining operation took a dramatic turn when local protestors confronted the Awareness Team led by the Mines and Energy Division Director of MMERE.
A video captured of the confrontation which occurred around 9am at Pangopingo in Lokuru showed the supporters and opposers of the project physically confront each other.
The incident has deepened animosity between the supporters of the proposed mining operation and the opposers.
A mining official from the government managed to escape with the help of several villagers, it was claimed.
“Those people cannot just come and expect us to remain silent,” another local resident from Lokuru said.
Still, locals remain unconvinced, saying the long-term environmental risks far outweigh any immediate financial gains.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
