31 minutes ago SMM Solomon Ltd has won most of its appeal against Australia's Axiom Mining over the rights to mine nickel deposits in Isabel Province in Solomon Islands.
Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI
The Solomons government said it welcomes the resolution of one of the longest and most costly legal battles in the country's history.
SMM Solomon Ltd is a subsidiary of Japan's giant Sumitomo Metal Mining.
The government said the Court of Appeal decision effectively dashes any hopes of Axiom mining the ore on Takata and San Jorge Island in Isabel.
The prime minister, Manasseh Sogavare, said the government is looking forward to working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure the development benefits every stakeholder.
He said with the legal battle out of the way the Department of Mines can now start the process of ensuring a reputable mining company develops the nickel source.
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