AUKI: Unconfirmed reports suggest that alluvial mining activities are taking place in the highlands of Central and West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.
According to information reaching Solomon Star Auki, villagers have set up makeshift camps at several sites where they are digging for minerals believed to include gold.
The exact type of the minerals and details of where they are being sold or traded remain unclear.
The Technical Institute of Malaita (TIM) previously confirmed in 2018 that its research had identified traces of alluvial gold in parts of Malaita.
One landowner, Andrian, who recently visited one of the sites, told the Solomon Star that the mining activities are not limited to locals, but have also drawn people from other areas.
He warned that the uncontrolled digging is already causing significant environmental damages to the area.
Andrian urged tribal leaders to consider the long-term impacts of alluvial mining and take steps to address the issue before further harm is done.
In a related development, TIM announced in 2023 during its graduation that further research had confirmed the presence of gold in Malaita.
At the time, Instructor and Head of the Gemology Department, Henry Dao, explained that the discovery was first made when a house builder picked up a mineral sample from the surface.
Subsequent tests carried out at TIM and later verified at the Geology Office in Honiara confirmed the sample contained gold.
The reports of renewed mining activities come amid concerns that the lack of regulation could lead to uncontrolled exploitation and irreversible damage to Malaita’s environment.