Toiraena says Western province should be consulted on any mining operations in the province

By Alfred Pagepitu

The recent landing of a mining company Emerald Mining (SI) Co. Ltd at Paraso in Western province recently has sparked debates among landowners and the Western Provincial government.

The provincial government described the landing as illegal because the company failed to consult and obtain a business license from the province.

Through a joint effort by the provincial government and Gizo police, the company was advised not to proceed with any operation.

The landing craft carrying the machineries left on Sunday.

Provincial Secretary, Patrick Toiraena, informed SIBC News that the provincial government had not been consulted about any proposed mining operations in the province.

He said the province does not receive any business license from the province to carry out its operations.

“We have not received any consultation from the executive overseeing the applications for consultation and business licenses.

“We are not aware of whether they conducted consultations with Landowners (LOs). They are in breach of the WP Business License Ordinance.”

He stated that they need to apply to the Business License Committee. If their application is approved, they must pay for the license before operating. If not approved, they cannot operate.

“So, this mining group is known as Emerald Mining (SI) Co. Ltd. There has been no consultation with the province or the executive,” Toiraena said.

He mentioned that the provincial government is concerned because the proper process is not being followed.

“There has been no provincial approval or formal recognition of prospecting licenses or business licenses approved by the province.

“The province is really concerned about this because there have been instances where mining companies owe large amounts of money to the province. So, the province is very concerned when it comes to mining operations.”

He urged the company and landowners to respect the provincial government’s process for carrying out mining operations in the province.

“I humbly appeal and call on the mining operators to please respect the due process and ordinances of the province, and we need to adhere to all costs.”

He said investors and developers need to collaborate with the provincial government before such activities are carried out in the province.

“We cannot take any action without following the proper procedures, and in the end, you will regret it, so please use the correct channels, not sneak in through the window,” Toiraena said.

However, concerned landowner Milly Maeni Ajo stated that the arrival of Emerald Mining (SI) Co. Ltd on their shore was not done properly, as they were not informed about it.

“There are individuals who facilitated the mining company’s arrival on our shore.”

“If this mining operation takes place on our island, we will lose all our livelihood, mangroves, fish, and marine resources that we rely on,” Ajo added.

Ajo urged leaders to consider the future generation and reject mining or any operations that could be regrettable and harm marine life.

“We are concerned about our environment and the future generation,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement published in the Solomon Star newspaper on Tuesday 15 April, the company is planning to hold consultations with the provincial government in May.

It said the company was granted a Prospecting License by the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia on 21st February 2025.

It explained the company intended to conduct prospecting operations only to determine the presence and quantity of gold within the Paraso tenements and not to begin full scale mining.

SIBC News has reached out to the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification for comments.

There is still no response from the ministry.

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