THE Koehoto Landowners Association (KLA) has urged the Mines and Mineral Board not to grant any prospecting licence (PL) over Mt Vulumasa SPL 194 in Central Guadalcanal to Gold Ridge Mining Company Limited (GRML).
This call comes as the Mineral Board is expected to meet today to deliberate on the company’s application.
In a letter sighted by the Solomon Star and signed by KLA Chairlady Ketsy Sesi and Vice Chairman Primo Keni Jnr, the association outlined several reasons for opposing the issuance of a PL to GRML.
The concerns raised include the following:
Lack of benefits:
KLA said despite years of foreign investment activities at Gold Ridge, the Koehoto people continue to miss out on royalties, communal development benefits and other entitlements. They said this is unjust given that the current operational area lies within Koehoto territory.
SAA signing and traditional objections:
The association referenced the SAA signing at Obo’obo village in 2022, where two traditional chupu presentations were made. One allowed Koehoto males to voice concerns over inheritance and mandated rights, while the second allowed females to speak on matrilineal rights and children’s welfare. Both groups, KLA said, opposed granting any licence to GRML.
Repeated objection letters:
KLA noted that the community and its leadership have consistently submitted objection letters to oppose any proposed mining activities or explorations in the area.
Lack of consultation and assessments:
The association said the people of Koehoto feel disheartened and disadvantaged because development activities have proceeded without proper consultations, awareness programs, social assessments or respect for land boundaries and traditional ownership.
Environmental concerns:
KLA further argued that the Koehoto region lacks the required Environmental Impact Assessments for proposed activities, raising compliance concerns over planned exploration works.
Breach of Mines Act:
The letter claims certain safe-work activities undertaken by GRML and its consultants appear inconsistent with provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act, noting that revoked matters were not properly handled, amounting to breaches.
Unauthorized development activities:
KLA alleged that road construction and bulldozing works have already taken place without proper consultation or legal consent from the rightful landowners, and without meeting requirements under the Environmental Act 1998 and the Mines and Minerals Act.
The association therefore urged the Mines and Mineral Board and the Solomon Islands Government to give full consideration to their concerns.
“Therefore, the people and the Koehoto Landowners Association herein seek supplication eagerly for the Mines and Minerals Board and the Solomon Islands Government to consider this ‘Letter of Concern’ to act accordingly, and promptly in good faith for our people,” the letter stated.
