Minister Tovosia denies conflict of interest over mining company ties
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification—and Deputy Prime Minister—Bradley Tovosia has denied allegations of having close ties with mining companies operating in the country.
This follows accusations from Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale, who claimed that Minister Tovosia is involved in a conflict of interest.
Hon. Wale cited an incident on the night of Monday, 24th April, where eyewitnesses reportedly saw Minister Tovosia disembarking from a boat owned by Far East Resources Company Ltd at Kokonut Café, after returning from a private trip to Kopiu village in his constituency. The boat, Wale said, was operated by the Minister’s own brother.
Responding to the claims, Minister Tovosia told the media on Monday that he paid for the use of the boat and that nothing was provided to him for free.
“I had to pay for fuel to use the boat to visit my constituency,” he said.
“For him to sit in his office and think that way belittles his status.
“I believe he should do more research before making such claims.”
Tovosia acknowledged that the boat driver is his brother but insisted this does not indicate any special relationship with the mining company.
“He is my brother, yes, but to say I am aligned with a mining group is a serious challenge,” he added.
Minister Tovosia further emphasized that all mining companies in Solomon Islands must comply with the law.
“Using a canoe does not mean I’m siding with investors. The law is there—whoever wants to mine in Solomon Islands must follow it.”
Minister Tovosia said only the Mines and Mineral Board can issue prospecting license to any company wishing to do mining in the country.
In response, Opposition Leader Wale said that in any democracy that upholds transparency, accountability, and good governance, such actions represent a clear conflict of interest.
He criticized the Ministry of Mines for what he called a “shameful” attempt to defend the Minister in recent media statements.
“The response by the ministry deviates from the core concerns raised by San Jorge landowners. It is shameful to mislead the people when the red flags are clearly evident,” he said.
Wale also accused successive governments of mishandling the mining sector for too long, citing the unresolved bauxite mining issues in Rennell and Bellona (Renbel) Province as an example of gross mismanagement and incompetence.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
