The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) is prioritising on work on policies that will build a broad-based and environmentally sustainable economy that will be viably achieved under the Productive Sector.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made this statement at a press conference last week.
He said Solomon Islands had been caught in a very awkward situation just recently over mining issues.
Sogavare said that through the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification the government aims to continue its work on the development of the Mines and Mineral Resources Legislation.
This is to provide an overarching regulatory framework for mineral resources development in the Solomon Islands, strengthen the Institutional Framework of the Extractive Industries and to create a robust and conducive local mining sector that can attract good investors.
“An inter-ministry task force was set up by the last government and stakeholder consultations of the various Government agencies, private sector and NGOs has commenced in the last three years and is ongoing nationwide,” he added.
He further said that following the nationwide consultations, drafting instructions were finalized and the actual drafting of the new Bill is underway.
“Upon conclusion of the drafting work, the draft legislation will be forwarded to the Attorney General Chambers for vetting.
“Once the vetting process is completed, the new Mines & Mineral Resources Legislation will be transmitted through Cabinet and eventually legislated through Parliament,” Sogavare said.
He said that government believes the mining industry is very capital intensive and brings in a lot of foreign currency into the country.
The DCGA remains committed to delivering ongoing and prospective policy priorities in the interests of peace, national stability and economic advancement.
By ANDREW FANASIA