Solomon Nickel Mining Company Limited (SNMCL) has rejected allegations that it has commenced illegal mining operations at Kamaboe Camp in South Choiseul.
Reports reaching the Solomon Star claimed that while SNMCL’s first approved project is the nickel mine within the Siruka tenement on the north coast of Choiseul, mining activities have allegedly begun at Kamaboe Camp—an area said to be outside the approved mining lease.
According to the reports, the alleged mining site is located on the south coast of Choiseul near the mouth of the Tukuku River, at the southern end of the Rob Roy Passage. It was further alleged that no Land Acquisition, Development Consent (DC), or Mining Lease (ML) has been granted by the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) for mining activities at that location.
Landowners opposing the operation claimed the company had cleared a large section of hillside above Kamaboe Camp and commenced open-pit mining. They described the situation as an emergency and called on SIG to immediately issue a Stop Work Notice.
However, a company representative strongly refuted the claims, stating that Kamaboe falls within the approved Mining Lease area.
“The lease covers all the tribal lands of Pupurakana and Zeleboe in the north, and Kamaboe and Mamaka in the south, covering approximately 150 square kilometres,” the representative said.
He clarified that activities currently taking place on Kamaboe tribal land remain at the mine preparation stage and do not constitute active mining.
“The company is not yet mining. The proposed active mining site is also located away from the Tukuku River mouth, as mentioned in the reports,” he said.
The representative further stated that all legal requirements related to mining have been approved, including the issuance of Development Consent for the Mining Lease.
“The entire ML area has undergone Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies. Any additional Development Consent would relate to other required developments or specific infrastructure,” he added.
“Legally, the mining-related activities and operations at Kamaboe are valid.”