POLICE are urged to immediately dispatch a team to Rennell Island to investigate allegation of harassment perpetuated by Bingtang Mining Group, whose prospecting licence was recently revoked by the Mining Board and the Minister responsible for Mines.
A villager Malcolm Sau at the mining site at Lavaku Bay has described the situation as tense; as Bitang Mining Company and their local associates are insisting to have their machineries and equipment remain at the prospecting site.
“We were informed that no proper clearance was done by both the Quarantine and Customs & Excise Departments prior to departure,” Mr Sau said.
“How their company machineries and equipment are able to be shipped to the island without proper checks and approval is also a major concern,” he added.
“Bingtang Mining Company’s License was revoked by the Mining Board, as well as by the Minister, therefore they must leave the area without fail.
“Forcing themselves to land their machineries and equipment without proper mandate and approval is a violation and infringement of the law which is a criminal act.
“Therefore, I’m calling on and demanding the Police Commissioner to act promptly and immediately by advising Bingtang Boneo to withdrew from the area,” Mr Sau said.
Last week, a spokesman for Bingtang told the Solomon Star they are appealing the minister’s decision.
He claimed the decision was based on misinformation and was an error on the part of the minister.