THE LEADER of Opposition, Matthew Wale has called on the Minister for Mines and Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) to explain the basis of his decision to revoke a letter of intent issued to the Koloula mineral-prospecting tenement.
Landowners have raised their concern to the Opposition office that they had been hard done by the Mines Minister Hon Bradley Tovosia, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister.
Landowners have claimed that they successfully signed a Surface Access Agreement (SAA) only to find out later that it was revoked by the Minister.
The landowners informed the Opposition Office that there were no reasons given thus stifling the planned prospecting and potential benefits it holds for landowners.
“The revocation came two months after the SAA was signed. In that time and in good faith, the landowners and the investor had progressed their activities on the expectation that a Prospecting License (PL) was going to be issued. It is therefore troubling that just out of the blue, the Minister changed his mind. The landowners are distraught and want answers,” Hon Wale said.
The Opposition Leader said the issue has also raised legal concerns.
He said Section 6 and 12 of the Mines and Minerals Act does not vest any power on the Minister to unilaterally issue or revoke letters of intents or PL.
Hon Wale said the Minister could only issue letters or Licenses on the advice of the Board.
“Information at hand suggests that all requirements had been complied with by the landowners and the investor, hence they are entitled to be issued the PL. After 2 months of waiting, it was revoked with no reasons whatsoever,” he said.
The Opposition Office understands this is not the first time the Minister has come under fire for such questionable decisions and it is truly mind-boggling that nothing has been done about it.
“The Minister’s action has exposed the Government to claims for specific performance and damages,” Wale said.
The Opposition Leader said if the Prime Minister is serious about addressing corruption at the highest level of Government, he must not turn a blind eye on such matter.
He said the landowners and public are entitled to see due process being applied.
Solomon Star checked with Minister Tovosia and he said to check with his officials.
His permanent secretary, Dr Christopher Vehe said the ministry will make an official response next week on the issue.
