THE Parliamentary Opposition Group has called on the Former Minister of Mines & Energy Bradley Tovosia to stop trying to politicize the Isabel Nickel Mining Projects.
In a statement last night, the Opposition Group said it is concerned that the former minister has interfered with the Mines & Minerals Board in trying to bypass the process in issuing mining licence to at least three Asian nickel mining companies.
“The Opposition Group understands that the position of the Nickel Mine Committee and the leaders of the province is to recognize the partnership with the Government and that granting of licences must be done with due diligence and through appropriate procedures,” the statement said.
“The former minister did not respect leaders and people of Isabel province and refused to listen to technical expertise rather trying to influence and interfere with the Mines & Minerals Board,” it added.
“The Opposition was informed that Mr Tovosia this week has summoned officials at the ministry to quickly facilitate the paper works so that he can issue licences to the companies this week.
“This was before he was reshuffled yesterday from Mines Ministry to Forestry.
“Why did the former minister trying to facilitate these with urgency when he was minister? His actions raise a lot of questions regarding his motive,” the Opposition said.
It called on the new Minister not to be influenced by the former minister and to stop interfering with the Mines and Mineral Board and allow them to do their work without fear or favor.
