Traditional landowners in North Vella, Western Province have raised concerns over what they describe as the Western Provincial Government’s (WPG) repeated dismissal of mining prospectus proposals without proper consultation.
The landowners representative told the Solomon Star in an interview last week that they had cautiously agreed to allow a mining company to conduct mineral prospecting on their customary land after careful consideration.
However, they were taken aback when the province swiftly rejected the proposal—echoing similar actions between 2007 and 2010 in other parts of the Western Province.
In the most recent incident, a barge – Meuteck N02 carrying prospecting equipment was turned away by a joint task force from Gizo last weekend at Paraso.
Landowners claim this move has halted legitimate work on a known tenement in the heart of Paraso, criticizing the province for not considering their rights and efforts.
“The decision was made without properly engaging with us. It shows a lack of concern for traditional landowners,” one of the landowners said.
They commended the National Ministry of Mines and the responsible Ministerial Competent Authority for continuing to uphold justice and recognizing landowners’ rights over their natural resources.
The landowners said they have confidence in the guidance and expertise offered by the Ministry of Mines, adding that mutual trust has been established.
The group also called on critics to stop discrediting the Ministry of Mines and its role in facilitating fair resource development.
Additionally, the landowners criticized what they called the misuse of donor funds by some government ministries.
They claimed that provinces are now dependent on World Bank funding through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), which they said has distorted development priorities.
They further expressed frustration with the Ministry of Fisheries, accusing it of undermining traditional practices in beche-de-mer farming, and labelled the Ministry of Planning a “shame” for its poor performance in implementing donor-funded development initiatives.
“Development driven by landowners should not be weaponized,” the group warned, calling for greater awareness and genuine collaboration from all government ministries moving forward.
However, WPG stands strong on the rights and legal proceeding regarding any mining activities and operation that wants to operate in Western Province must consult with the WPG before issuing of business licenses can be granted to a mining company.
In this case the recent landing of the Emerald Mining Company with the logging machinery equipment at the Paraso bay in North Vella is illegal.
The WPG has confirmed it was not consulted regarding any proposed mining operations within the province.
WP Provincial Secretary (PS) Patrick Toiraena told the local media that no business license had been issued to the company in question, nor had there been any formal communication with the provincial executive responsible for overseeing such applications.
“We have not received any consultation from the executive handling applications for business licenses and related approvals.
“We are also unaware if the company has conducted any proper consultations with traditional landowners. Their actions are in breach of the Western Province Business License Ordinance,” he added.
He explained that any company intending to operate in the province must first apply to the Business License Committee.
Only upon approval and after paying the relevant fees can operations legally commence. If not approved, the company has no legal grounds to operate.
The official identified the company as Emerald Mining (SI) Co. Ltd, adding that no formal engagement had taken place with either the provincial government or its executive.
He emphasized the province’s concern over the lack of adherence to established processes, stressing that such oversight could set a dangerous precedent if not addressed.
Following the recent hot debated topic surrounding the proposed mining operation in Paraso South East, Vella Constituency and its people also opposed the move to mining instead chose championing an environmental and sustainable future rooted in the principles of Green and Blue Economy.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
