axiom in solomon islands, page-32

This seems to have said it better . . .

Sumitomo is on the ropes.

We still have valid license: Sumitomo
Wednesday, 06 April 2011 10:10 administrator
SUMITOMO METAL Mining is the lawful winner of the international tender for nickel mining in Isabel, said its Managing Director Yoritoshi Ochi. ?Sumitomo is still the lawful mining company that has been granted permission to negotiate with any landowners of the proposed mining sites according to the laws of the country.

?This is so with the consent from the Minister of Mines Mark Kemakeza in his letter of intent to negotiate with landowners for the Surface Access Agreement?.

Mr. Ochi said in response to the letter of intent, we have submitted the legal documents for meeting the requirements on the 11th of February 2011.

?This was done with the consent of the landowners and people of the specified areas for mining in Takata, San Jorge and Jejevo as required.

He said from the 16 groups within the specified areas, 132 landowners trustees have signed after getting their consent.

?We have followed the legal process and acted upon the legal law of Solomon Islands as specified in the Mines and Minerals Act giving us the permission to negotiate with the landowners.

?Sumitomo cannot go into the areas earmarked under the prospecting license and the letter of intent without the consent of the landowners, said the Managing Director.

This paper cited the letter of intent signed on the 23rd of November 2010 by the Mines Minister, Mark Kemakeza stated that Sumitomo is given twelve (12) months as from the date of the letter of intent to acquire a Surface Access Agreement.

?However, at the end of twelve (12) months, if additional time is still required for acquiring of the Surface Access Agreement it may be extended on application subject to approval by the Minerals Board.

?The terms and conditions of such Surface Access Agreement shall be negotiated with the respective landowning groups of the areas and any Surface Access Agreement resulting from these negotiations are to be reduced in writing.?

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Mines however has stated before the Public Accounts Committee two weeks ago that the government had cancelled the award it gave to Sumitomo.

This is so because the company failed to sign a Surface Access Agreement with landowners within three months, which contradicted the 12 months granted under documents sent by the Minister for Mines, Mark Kemakeza.

He said under the letter of intent, Sumitomo Metal Mining must provide its Surface Access Agreement with landowners within three months of giving the award.

The Cabinet cancelled the award on the 17th of January this year because it failed to provide a Surface Access Agreement.

This includes pressure from the landowners and some members of the community and the three Isabel members of Parliament.

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