BY NED GAGAHE
The National Parliament’s Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) will begin its inquiry into the Mineral Resources Bill 2025 on Monday 1st September 2025.
The Committee had planned to start hearings on Wednesday 27th August, following a decision on 18th August. However, the date has now been moved to early September.
In a statement Parliament media confirmed that the inquiry is expected to run through the first and second weeks of September. A full schedule of hearings is planned.
This Bill is a major step in reforming how mineral resources are managed in the Solomon Islands.
It aims to update and modernise the laws around exploration, extraction, and processing of minerals.
The Bill focuses on balancing economic growth with environmental protection. It also puts a strong emphasis on customary land rights and fair treatment of all stakeholders.
Some key goals of the Bill include:
- Encouraging sustainable mining while protecting the natural, social, and cultural environment.
- Respecting customary rights to land, sea, and water.
- Promoting environmental responsibility and good land management.
- Clarifying the roles and rights of landowners, communities, and companies.
- Making sure the country gets fair financial returns from mining for both current and future generations.
Once this inquiry is complete, the Committee will take a short break. It will then move on to review the Public Service Bill 2025.
At the same time, the Committee is still waiting for budget approval to hold provincial hearings on the Mineral Resources Bill. This will allow more people to take part in the consultation.
The BLC encourages all stakeholders and the general public to watch the livestream of the inquiry on Parliament’s official Facebook page.
The inquiry is an important chance for people to discuss how the country’s mineral resources should be used not just for profit, but for the wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders and their environment.
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