SUMITOMO Metal Mining (SMM) says they will carry out an environmental impact assessment study ahead of their proposed nickel mining operations next year.
Ichiro Abe, Director, Senior Managing Executive officer and General Manager Mineral Resources Division, revealed this during a presentation on the progress of operations by his company to Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and his senior ministers, Tuesday.
Mr Abe said the study will be done by an independent group from overseas on the islands of Choiseul and Isabel where Sumitomo is currently conducting exploration work.
"We will find the best way to conduct the study by engaging an independent environmental group to conduct the study for us," he said.
While he did not reveal the cost, he said it would cost the company millions of dollars.
An Australian environmental group had been proposed to carry out the study.
The study is expected to last six years, after which full operations is expected to start.
The study is important for the company to ensure that the operations will not cause harm to the environment.
Minister of Environment, Conservation and Meteorology Gordon Darcy Lilo said the government had its own Environmental Act to which such study must come under.
He said there are other non-government environmental groups in the country that can also help in such studies.
Mr Lilo said his ministry will also be working closely with the company to ensure that the study is done efficiently.
By MOFFAT MAMU
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