The illegal mining operation taking place along the Mbalasuna River had been strongly condemned by the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Matthew Wale describing them as blatant criminal acts that violate the environment and livelihoods of local communities.
While acknowledging the efforts of the ECD Director and MMRE Chief Inspector, Hon. Wale questioned the apparent inaction of the relevant authorities.
“It is incomprehensible that despite official orders, the company continues operations unimpeded. Why is enforcement absent?
“Are the responsible officials negligent, indifferent, or complicit? Each of these scenarios is equally alarming and simply unacceptable” Hon. Wale said.
The Opposition Leader further questioned how a company can operate without a valid prospecting license, mining lease, or mandatory development consent, and continue to do so over two months.
“How can the Prime Minister and his Minister of Mines allow this to continue at the expense of the people? Solomon Islanders deserve better” Wale stated.
Hon. Wale said the situation reflects a dangerous pattern that has previously been seen in the logging sector.
“This is a repeat of the same tragic scenario. Resources extracted illegally, environmental safeguards ignored, and communities left devastated. Such exploitation cannot be justified as development. It is theft, plain and simple” Hon. Wale emphasized.
Hon. Wale said that an urgent and coordinated intervention by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Ministry of Environment, and RSIPF must happen immediately.
“Immediate steps must be taken to shut down this illegal operation. A comprehensive investigation must be launched urgently, and those responsible, be they private operators or complicit public officials, must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law” Hon. Wale insisted.
Concluding, Hon. Wale reiterated his call for a complete moratorium on all future mining activities until fair and just legal safeguards are enacted through the new Minerals Bill.
“I have raised this in Parliament before, and I repeat it now. There should be a halt to all new mining operations until the new Minerals Bill is passed.
“Continuing under the current weak and outdated Act invites abuse, corruption, and irreversible damage.
“To proceed without reform is not only irresponsible, but also a betrayal of our people and the future of this nation” Hon. Wale concluded.
– Opposition Press
