Axiom files default judgement against GovernmentBy EDDIE...

Axiom files default judgement against GovernmentBy EDDIE OSIFELOAxiom Mining Limited (AML) has filed an application for default judgement in High Court against the government after it refused to grant an export permit to ship ores from San Jorge in Isabel Province to United States.The default judgement was made after the government failed to respond to Axiom’s first judicial review application filed last year.Axiom filed the judicial review application against the decision of the Mines and Minerals Board, as well as a misfeasance claim against the Minister of Mines Bradley Tovosia and Director of Mines Nicholas Biliki.They rejected Axiom Mining Ltd’s application for an export permit citing the company does not have a Provincial Business licence from Isabel Government.A legal officer in Axiom said if the court grants the default judgement in April, the company will take legal action against the government.He said the court could not hear the application because of the petition cases before the High court.According to Axiom, it estimates to export two million tonnes per year from San Jorge.The company projected the nickel mine project on San Jorge to contribute up to 15 to 20 percent of Solomon Islands Gross Domestic Product (GDP) when in the full exportation phase.