Solomon Islands leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has called on the Minister of Mines & Energy to halt the proposed granting of a mining license to Far East Resources Company Ltd for nickel mining on San Jorge.
Wale made the call following serious concerns raised by tribal leaders and landowners, who reported that the company had failed to meet minimum operational standards and had blatantly disregarded labour laws during its prospecting activities.
“Far East Resources Company Limited reportedly failed to submit a satisfactory commercial discovery report or an EIA, resulting in no development consent being granted. These are serious breaches. No company should be granted a licence if it cannot even meet the bare minimum legal and international standards,” Wale said.
The Opposition Leader said reports reaching his office are that the minerals board rejected both documents when considering the company’s application for a mining license.
However, according to information received, alleged that the Minister ignored the minerals board decision.
“The Minister clearly has no power to overturn decisions made by the Board, and more so, when the failures are integral to the due diligence checks prescribed by law,” Wale adds.
The Leader of Opposition also expressed concern over reports that the company has been operating in breach of labour laws that protect and safeguard the health and safety of employees since it began its prospecting activities.
“The Opposition Office is also aware of reports alleging that the Far East Company Limited is engaging in overtly discriminatory practices against local workers in respect of food and safety equipment,” Wale said.
Wale said that if these allegations are true, such breaches of domestic law further justify halting the proposed granting of a mining licence.
“The government must take note and clear these concerns. It cannot entertain such entities in our mining industry, which should prioritize sustainable development, environmental protection, and the rights of our people,” he said.
The Opposition Leader urged the Minister and his Ministry to prioritize the concerns raised by tribal leaders, landowners, and local communities on this matter.
Wale said it is imperative that any mining operation in our country adhere to international standards and best practices, and comply with domestic laws on environment, labour, and processes to safeguard the resource and the people.
“Given the Minister’s consistent record in ignoring the Mines Board’s decision in the granting of licences, the Prime Minister needs to take disciplinary action. Non-renewable resources are at stake, and must not be allowed to be mismanaged in this reckless manner,” he said.
The Opposition Leader said his office remains committed to holding the government accountable and ensuring that our natural resources are managed in a manner that benefits all citizens, not just a selected few.
