One more comment I forgot to make in fairness to the Solomon Islands Govt. For those of you too young or that may have forgetful minds, there have been a number of disastorous and famous mining projects in the 'ring of fire' that have left a permanent stain on the respective countries landscape and on the minds of many Island folk. None more famous than a copper gold, silver project managed by Rio Tinto - one of the World's biggest miners from 1971 to 1989 - Bouganville !! This turned out to be an environmental disaster just like Ok Tedi in PNG and a long list of others.
Both of the above projects saw their country vandalised by big miners who dumped toxic waste in their pristine rivers which have never recovered. I think I can sympathise with why they are being so cautious this next time around.
I think most Australians would think the same way if a international mining company was allowed to do the same to the Franklin River in Tasmania.
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