cortez : we are prepared for mining, page-2

SOLOMON STAR

Cortez: We are prepared for mining .


Wednesday, 20 November 2013 14:59

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LANDOWNERS of Axiom Mining Limited’s proposed mining sites in Isabel Province have described as misleading the claims by the Forum Against Mining on Choiseul (FAMOC) that Isabel landowners are supportive of their provincial government’s decision against mining in the province.




FAMOC in a statement published in the Letters’ to the Editor Column of the Solomon tar yesterday said it was pleased to note that Isabel landowners, specifically the Isabel Concern Group, the Isabel Tripod Group (The Isabel Council of Chiefs, the Isabel Provincial Government and the Diocese of Isabel) are in support of the decision not to allow nickel mining on their land.

FAMOC’s statement followed comments made earlier by a paramount chief of Isabel, Bishop Mason.

The statement by Bishop Mason which sums up the outcome of the forum in respect of landowners’ position on mining on Isabel is that Isabel Province is not ready for mining for various reasons.

In a statement issued yesterday, a spokesman for the landowners, Eliot Cortez, however said opinions expressed at the Buala mining forum do not represent the views of the landowners of Axiom’s tenement and proposed mining sites in Isabel Province.

“As a matter of fact, the views of the all landowners of Axiom’s tenement and proposed mining sites in Isabel are represented by none other than our good trustees. We do respect the views expressed by FAMOC however, our case is different,” Mr Cortez said.

“We started engaging with this mining company more than 20 years ago and so we are well aware of the issues involved.
“We believe that our involvement in the mining preparatory work which includes owning a 20 percent share in nickel mining company and environmental awareness programmes has well prepared us for this significant mining venture.

“We are fully aware of the possible environmental and social impacts of such development if not well managed and together with the company are already working on an Environmental and Cultural Management Plan and have also been conducting awareness programmes to establish a good working relationship between our people and Axiom KB Company,” Mr Cortez said.

He said landowners of the Axiom Mining Limited’s tenement areas and proposed mining sites in Isabel Province are pleased with the approach taken by Axiom KB in involving them in its mining preparatory work and will maintain their support for the company all the way through its mining operation.

“We highly appreciate our strong involvement in the mining preparatory work, believing it is a good start to a lasting mutual relationship with Axiom Mining Limited.

“We are determined to see the company carry through with its proposed mining operation on our land.”

He said landowners of Axiom Mining Limited’s tenement and mining proposed sites in Isabel are looking forward to making immense contributions to the national economy through the availing of their land for nickel mining by the Australian Mining Company.

“If there are any problems with the government framework and laws, we know that these must be dealt with and so we will do everything to assist in making sure that these are put in place to protect our people’s interest,” Mr Cortez added.