Opposition Leader Manasseh Sogavare questions claims that all gold dealer licences were cancelled, calling for legal clarification and transparency.
Leader of the Official Opposition Manasseh Sogavare MP says the Prime Minister’s recent statement that all gold dealer licences had been cancelled does not appear to align with the legal processes set out under the Mines and Minerals Act.
Sogavare said the Act provides that a gold dealer’s licence remains valid for one year from the date of issue and may be renewed upon payment of the prescribed fee. He noted that the legislation also allows for cancellation of a licence if the holder is convicted of an offence that, in the Minister’s opinion, makes the holder unfit to retain the licence.
He further stated that the Act outlines a specific process for suspension or cancellation of licences, permits, or mining leases. Under that process, the Minister may suspend or cancel a licence in cases involving breaches of the Act, breaches of licence conditions, or insolvency-related matters. Before any such action is taken, the licence holder must be given an opportunity to show cause within a reasonable period as to why the licence should not be suspended or cancelled.
According to Sogavare, if those procedures have not been initiated, then no cancellation has legally taken effect despite the Prime Minister’s public announcement.
He claimed that, at present, 10 gold dealer licences remain in operation and that no formal cancellation process has been completed. He said no show-cause notices have been issued and no evidence has been presented publicly to demonstrate that the statutory grounds for cancellation have been met.
Sogavare said the Government should provide further clarification on the matter, including:
• Which gold dealer licences have been cancelled.
• The effective dates of any cancellations.
• The legal grounds relied upon in each case.
• Whether show-cause notices were issued to licence holders.
• Whether any appeal provisions under the Act have been triggered.
He said the Opposition supports reform of the mining and minerals sector, but maintains that any reforms should be carried out in accordance with the law and established legal procedures.
Source: Opposition Press Release
