West Rennell Landowners Revoke Surface Access Agreement with NESI Mining

The primary landowners in the western region of Rennell Island have formally announced the revocation of the Surface Access Agreement (SAA) with the Solomon Islands Nickel Limited (NESI). This action stems from a series of long-standing unresolved issues that have sparked strong discontent within the local community, ultimately prompting the landowners to take this firm and unified stance.

Of the initial 266 signatories to the SAA, 250 have officially withdrawn their signatures. This decision is driven by growing unresolved claims and grievances left behind by NESI's predecessor, the now-bankrupt Bintang Mining Solomon Islands (BMSI). This revocation marks a significant turning point for the people of Rennell Island, who are determined to take control of their land and ensure that future mining activities genuinely benefit local landowners and the broader community.

One of the core issues leading to the SAA revocation is NESI's failure to honor its commitment to resolve claims related to BMSI's operations. The company had repeatedly assured Rennell Island landowners that it would assume responsibility for the outstanding claims left by BMSI's operations, but to date, no meaningful action has been taken. Landowners are particularly concerned about long-overdue compensation for damages caused by BMSI's mining activities, with many families still awaiting resolution. They stated that NESI promised to address the problems left by BMSI when it took over.

Another major point of contention is the unresolved issue of 33 bauxite shipments mined during BMSI's operations. The whereabouts of these shipments are unknown, and the proceeds have not been remitted to the government. This has resulted in a loss of revenue for both the government and the landowners. This non-payment has not only caused financial losses but has also eroded trust between the landowners and NESI, as the company has failed to provide any explanation or accountability for the missing shipments. A spokesperson for the landowners community stated, "This is about justice. The missing shipments represent a serious betrayal of trust, and we have seen no corrective action. The government didn't receive a cent, and neither did we. It is time for a change."

Furthermore, the environmental impact of BMSI's operations, particularly the oil spill in Kagava Bay during mining activities, remains a significant concern. Landowners have expressed deep concern about the long-term ecological damage caused by the oil spill, but this issue has not been adequately addressed. Despite NESI's promises to rectify the environmental impact, the company has not taken the necessary remedial measures, leaving landowners and the local environment still vulnerable. One landowner asserted, "The oil spill in Kagava Bay has scarred our land and livelihoods. We have not seen any meaningful remediation efforts from NESI, and this is completely unacceptable."

In response to these ongoing issues, the landowners of western Rennell Island have established a dedicated mining task force to oversee the SAA revocation with NESI and to seek better mining arrangements for their land. The task force aims to ensure that any future mining activities on Rennell Island prioritize the well-being of landowners and deliver genuine benefits to the community. The head of the task force stated, "It is time for us to take control of our future. We are committed to ensuring that any mining activities on our land are transparent, fair, and sustainable. Landowners will have a voice, and benefits will be shared equitably."

The task force is working closely with legal and environmental experts to explore alternative mining arrangements that align with the best interests of the landowners and the environment. Landowners are advocating for a model that empowers local communities through participation in decision-making processes, fair compensation, and long-term benefits. With the revocation of the SAA, the landowners of western Rennell Island are sending a clear message that they will no longer tolerate exploitation or broken promises from mining companies. The community's united front aims to pave the way for a mining operation model that fosters genuine collaboration and respects the rights and interests of landowners.

As Rennell Island enters this new chapter, the landowners remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting their land, environment, and future. Through the establishment of the mining task force and a renewed determination to seek better outcomes, the people of Rennell Island are poised to take a leading role in shaping the future of mining on their land. The head of the task force concluded, "We are not against mining, but we will not stand by and allow our rights to be trampled upon. We are taking action now for the future of Rennell Island." The revocation letter, along with a list of all signatories, has been forwarded to the Ministry of Mines and Energy through the Director of Mines.