The Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government is considering legal action against Nickel Enterprise SI Ltd. (NESI).
This came after the company landed on Rennell Island with equipment and supplies to conduct mining prospecting for bauxite without securing a provincial business license.
Newly elected Premier Derek Pongi stated that the provincial executive is still reviewing NESI’s business license application.
However, despite the ongoing process, NESI proceeded with its prospecting activities on Rennell Island, ignoring the required due process.
Premier Pongi emphasized that the provincial government’s only option now is to challenge NESI in court, where the legality of NESI’s actions will be determined.
Pong said based on NESI’s legal officer, Whitlam K. Togamae, the company had already obtained a prospecting license from the Mines and Mineral Board.
As such, since NESI had submitted its business license application to the Renbel Provincial Government, the company was within its rights to commence prospecting activities.
However, Premier Pongi expressed concerns, citing past issues with another company, Bintang Mining Company, which caused significant environmental damage to Rennell and left behind substantial debts when it ceased operations.
He alleged that NESI is a replica of BMC after the former directors left to form the company.
Meanwhile, NESI has announced an extensive eradication and control program to combat the spread of the invasive Giant African Snail (GAS) in West Rennell.
The program will run alongside the company’s ongoing prospecting work in the area.
