West Rennell landowners revoke the Surface Access Agreement with NESI, citing unresolved claims, missing bauxite shipments, and environmental damage.
West Rennell landowners have formally revoked the Surface Access Agreement (SAA) with Nickel Enterprise Solomon Islands (NESI), citing unresolved issues and long-standing grievances. Of the 266 individuals who originally signed the agreement, 250 have withdrawn their support.
The decision follows growing frustration over outstanding claims linked to the operations of NESI’s predecessor, Bintang Mining Solomon Islands (BMSI), which was declared bankrupt. Landowners argue that NESI failed to address the legacy issues left by BMSI and have now taken steps to assert greater control over their land and future mining agreements.
Unresolved Claims from BMSI’s Operations
A key concern for landowners is NESI’s failure to fulfill commitments to settle claims associated with BMSI’s mining activities. Despite assurances, no concrete action has been taken to compensate affected landowners for damages caused by BMSI’s operations. Many families are still awaiting payment for compensation claims, which they say were promised when NESI took over.
Disputed Bauxite Shipments
Landowners have also raised concerns over 33 shipments of bauxite mined under BMSI, the proceeds of which they say have not been remitted to the government or local landowners. The missing payments have led to financial losses and strained relations between NESI and the community.
“The missing shipments represent a serious breach of trust,” a landowner spokesperson said. “The government hasn’t seen a cent, and neither have we.”
Environmental Concerns Over Oil Spill
Environmental damage caused by mining operations remains another pressing issue. Landowners pointed to an oil spill at Kagava Bay during BMSI’s tenure, which they say has yet to be properly addressed. Despite promises of remediation, they claim NESI has not taken sufficient action to restore the affected area.
“The oil spill has scarred our land and livelihoods,” a landowner said. “We have seen no meaningful cleanup efforts from NESI.”
Formation of West Rennell Mining Taskforce
In response to these ongoing issues, landowners have established a mining taskforce to oversee the revocation of the SAA and explore better mining arrangements. The taskforce aims to ensure future mining operations prioritize the welfare of landowners and deliver tangible benefits to the community.
“The time has come for us to take control of our future,” said the taskforce leader. “Any future mining operations must be transparent, fair, and sustainable.”
The taskforce is working with legal and environmental experts to explore alternative mining models that prioritize community participation, fair compensation, and long-term benefits for landowners.
Next Steps
The revocation letter, signed by the landowners, has been submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Energy through the Director of Mines.
Landowners say their decision sends a strong message that they will not tolerate unfulfilled promises or environmental neglect. While they remain open to mining, they insist that any future agreements must protect their interests and ensure equitable benefits.
