SOUTH Pacific Nickel Mining Company Ltd is proceeding to do prospecting on Tenement D in Bugotu, Isabel Province.
This comes after the company, owned by Filipino logger Johnny Sy, who also serves as the Director of Bulacan Logging Company, completed their initial consultation with the landowners last week.
A company representative stated that the consultation aimed to facilitate the establishment of trustees for the five sub-tribes.
They anticipate signing the Surface Access Agreement with these tribes this weekend.
However, some landowners have voiced concerns that the company is rushing to finalize the Surface Access Agreement before their Letter of Intent (LOI) expires on May 13, 2024.
The Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification granted the LOI to the company in February 2024.
In a statement, the landowners expressed grievances, alleging that the company disregarded laws designed to protect their rights, including the Mines and Minerals Act (1990) and the Mines and Minerals Regulation (1996).
They decried the lack of mandated awareness programs and the absence of Ministry of Mines and Energy representatives during discussions.
The landowners accused the company of coercion and manipulation, asserting that it prioritized its agenda over due process.
They emphasized the significance of their heritage and sovereignty over the land, denouncing the company’s disregard for transparency and cooperation.
The landowners cited Sumitomo Metal Mining Solomon Ltd (SMMS LTD) as an exemplary company that respects regulations and engages transparently.
They called upon the Director of Mines to uphold regulatory integrity and reject any extension granted to the company.
Currently, the company operates from three properties rented from the Minister of Finance and Treasury and former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, in Lunga, east of Honiara.
South Pacific Nickel Mining Company Ltd is a subsidiary of Solomon Islands Mining Company Ltd, which is also involved in mining tenements in Siruka, Choiseul Province.
The parent company has submitted a Feasibility Study for the Siruka mine and should already completed an environmental impact assessment study.
Construction and extraction activities are expected to follow.
Siruka, along with mining in Suma, Bugotu, Isabel Province, was among the projects the former government aimed to expedite in June 2020 to generate revenue in response to the economic impact of COVID-19.
Siruka boasts a deposit of 90 million tonnes.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
