BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification is looking to secure $10.6 million to improve the country’s mineral testing capabilities, with most of the funding to go toward upgrading the existing laboratory and technical training.

 Mines’ Minister Derrick Manu’ari, raised this during the Second Reading of 2025 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2025 in parliament on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

He said the National Geo-Chemical Laboratory Facility project is a critical step towards reducing Solomon Islands’ reliance on foreign laboratories and gaining control over its mineral data.

“Domestically, we do not have the capacity and technical know-how. We currently depend on a lab in Australia. That process is untimely, costly, and offers no ownership of the information,” Manu’ari said.

He said once the funds are secured, it will support both the early stages of developing a new laboratory, which include land development, UXO clearance, and geotechnical analysis.

The funds will also go towards the renovation of the existing lab to accommodate newly purchased equipment.

“A big component of the funding will go towards upgrading the existing laboratory facility and technical trainings to upskill our officers who will soon operate the new equipment,” Minister Manu’ari added.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Matthew Wale, highlighted lack of transparency and accountability in past mineral exports.

Referring to the controversial bauxite shipment from Rennell-Bellona province, Wale said authorities had “little idea” of what was mined and exported, and “knew for sure none was paid for.”

“In terms of the lab itself, it will help us know what has been mined and taken out of the country. “It’s important for determining mineral value, grading, and the volume of shipments going out,” Wale said.

The new lab is expected to play a key role in assessing gold, bauxite, alumina, nickel, and other associated minerals.

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