In a powerful and united stance, prominent landowners in West Rennell have officially announced the revocation of the Surface Access Agreement (SAA) with Nickel Enterprise Solomon Islands (NESI), citing a series of unresolved issues that have long caused dissatisfaction within the community.
250 out of the 266 individuals that signed the SAA have now formally revoked their signature.
The decision to revoke the SAA follows growing frustration over a number of outstanding claims and grievances tied to the operations of NESI’s predecessor, Bintang Mining Solomon Islands (BMSI), a company now declared bankrupt. This revocation signals a significant turning point for the people of West Rennell, who have vowed to take control of their land and ensure that future mining ventures are beneficial to local landowners and the wider community.
Unsettled Claims with BMSI’s Legacy
One of the central issues leading to the revocation of the SAA is the unresolved promise made by NESI to settle claims tied to the operations of BMSI. The company had repeatedly assured West Rennell landowners that it would take responsibility for the unsettled claims from BMSI’s operations, but to date, no meaningful action has been taken.
The landowners are particularly concerned about the long-overdue compensation related to damages caused by BMSI’s mining activities, with many families still awaiting a resolution. Landowners say they were promised by NESI that the legacy issues from BMSI would be dealt with when NESI took over.
The Missing 33 Shipments: Unpaid Proceeds
Another major point of contention is the unresolved issue of 33 shipments of bauxite that were mined under BMSI’s operations. These shipments have gone missing, and the proceeds have not been remitted to the government. As a result, both the government and landowners have been deprived of their rightful earnings. The non-payment has not only caused economic harm but also eroded trust between the landowners and NESI, as the mining company failed to provide answers or accountability for the missing shipments.
“This is about justice. The missing shipments represent a serious breach of trust, and we’ve seen no action to correct it,” said a spokesperson from the landowner community. “The government hasn’t seen a cent, and neither have we. It’s time for change.”
Oil Spill at Kangava: Environmental Concerns
Additionally, the environmental impact of BMSI’s operations, particularly the oil spill at Kagava Bay during its mining activities, remains a serious concern. The landowners have raised alarm over the long-term ecological damage caused by the spill, which has yet to be adequately
addressed. Despite promises to rectify the environmental impact, NESI has not followed through with the necessary remediation efforts, leaving the landowners and the local environment vulnerable.
“The oil spill at Kagava Bay has scarred our land and our livelihoods. We’ve seen no meaningful remediation efforts from NESI, and that is simply unacceptable,” one landowner asserted.
A New Path Forward: West Rennell Mining Taskforce
In response to these ongoing issues, West Rennell landowners have formed a dedicated mining taskforce to oversee the revocation of the SAA with NESI and to seek a better mining arrangement for their land. The taskforce aims to ensure that any future mining operations in West Rennell prioritize the welfare of landowners and provide real benefits to the community.
“The time has come for us to take control of our future,” said the taskforce leader. “We are committed to ensuring that any mining operation in our land will be transparent, fair, and sustainable. Landowners will have a seat at the table, and the benefits will be shared equitably.”
The taskforce is working closely with legal and environmental experts to explore alternative mining arrangements that align with the best interests of the landowners and the environment. The landowners are advocating for a model where local communities are empowered through participation in decision-making processes, fair compensation, and long-term benefits.
Looking to the Future
With the revocation of the SAA, the West Rennell landowners are sending a clear message that they will no longer tolerate exploitation or broken promises from mining companies. The community’s united front aims to pave the way for a mining operation that fosters genuine collaboration and respects the rights and interests of the landowners.
As West Rennell enters this new chapter, the landowners remain resolute in their commitment to protecting their land, their environment, and their future. With the formation of the mining taskforce and a renewed determination to seek better outcomes, the people of West Rennell are poised to take the lead in shaping the future of mining on their lands.
“We are not against mining, but we will not stand by while our rights are trampled. We are taking action now for the future of West Rennell,” the taskforce leader concluded.
The revocation letter along with all the signatories has been forwarded to the Ministry of Mines and Energy through the Director of Mines.
Source: Press Release, West Rennell Mining Taskforce