LOCAL Company Pacific Nickel Kolosori Mines Limited is back in business.
“We are back,” the Company announced to Solomon Star in an exclusive interview following heated debate in Parliament last week.
The announcement of resumption of mining activities flew in the face of a fiery debate which exploded in Parliament on Thursday 12 September. The Opposition-led assault falsely claimed that Pacific Nickel Kolosori Mines Ltd had gone burst.
They also misinformed Parliament that the Company had lost a lot of money, leaving behind large unpaid bills, including royalties to landowners as well as non-payment of dues to the National and Provincial Governments.
Responding to the claims, a Company spokesman said nothing could be further from the truth.
“Pacific Nickel Kolosori Mines Ltd is back. We do not wish to leave any doubt in anyone’s mind about that. To confirm our commitment, we expect a large shipment of heavy equipment and machinery to arrive within the next few days so we could start doing what we are here in the first place to do.” the spokesman said.
The Company received a mining lease from the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification for the Kolosori Nickel project and is committed to Jejevo project 100 per cent as well.
Pacific Nickel said that at the time it intended ‘to accelerate the finalization of the Jejevo Mining Lease application and plans to reach production mid-2025.”
The spokesman said the Company directors have worked hard to address the local issues and mismanagement by the overseas team.
“In last two months, we had many sleepless nights and worked around the clock to bring back the Company on the right tracks. Our key motivation was securing jobs and employment for Isabel Province and Solomon Islands. The local people, landowners and Solomon Islands come first.
“We thank government departments and people for their huge support in the last two months.” the spokesman said.
By Alfred Sasako
