SUMITOMO’S CASE AGAINST AXIOM KB THROWN OUT OF COURT

The High Court has thrown out Sumitomo’s case against Australian Mining company, Axiom KB.

The Japanese-owned mining company had applied for a judicial review of Axiom KB’s prospecting licence for a proposed nickel area in Isabel Province.

Handing down the judgement this afternoon, Justice John Brown says Axiom KB’s lease over Kolosori land in Isabel Province and its prospecting licence is valid.

The judgement comes after almost a year’s trial into the case.

Sumitomo took Axiom, the Solomon Islands government, and several landowners to Court, claiming Axiom followed improper processes to obtain its licence and register in Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile, an Axiom Lawyer Michael Pitakaka has welcomed the judgement, saying landowning groups can now work together to pave the way for development in Isabel Province.

SIBC News understands the proposed nickel area could be ten times the size of the now defunct Gold Ridge Mining Limited.