http://theislandsun.com/axiomkb-back-in-court-this-week/
AxiomKB back in court this week
BY BEN BILUA |
May 25, 2015
AxiomKB and Landowners will be heading back to the court room on Tuesday this week for another hearing against the giant SUMITOMO Mining Company.
In September last year, the land owners rejoiced when Commissioner Brown recognised their rights in the High Court and dismissed all of Sumitomo Metal Mining’s claims over the Isabel nickel deposits in Isabel Province.
After the High Court ruling Sumitomo Mining Company filed an appeal against Commissioner Brown’s ruling in the Court of Appeal in another effort to have their name pasted on the tenement, which is reportedly a home to high grade nickel.
This time around, and again, the case is against the landowners, the State and AxiomKB.
AxiomKB confirmed to this paper that the landowners, Solomon Islands Government and AxiomKB are heading back to the Court of Appeal this Tuesday 26 May to defend their actions and rights to the Isabel Nickel Project.
Chairman of Kolosori Trust Board, Mr Elliot Cortez said the landowners are fully prepared and are ready for the battle.
“We are ready for whatever Sumitomo will try – they have tried all ways and means to break us apart, but we have stayed strong,” he said
Mr Elliot Cortez pointed out the High Court judgment stated that SMM Solomon Limited (a joint venture between Sumitomo and a Japanese government company) was dishonest and ‘dishonourable.
He said AxiomKB is making good progress on Isabel.
“We have been getting jobs and training, and the benefits are starting to flow in other areas like school, fishing, and food supplying.
“We can’t wait for this final court battle to be over so we can build this mine,” Mr Cortez said.
In the meantime, AxiomKB and the landowners have wasted no time in prospecting for nickel after the ruling last year.
The Exploration program has been underway and results have shown that the areas have high grade nickel, and now AxiomKB and Landowners are planning for mine development.
According to a statement from Axiom Office in Honiara, Land Owners and AxiomKB hope that this Court of Appeal hearing is the last obstacle to achieving their dream.