8 March 2019

The Solomon Islands caretaker Prime Minister Rick Hou says the government is looking again at the lease for bauxite mining operator, APID and its associate BinTan Mining Solomon Islands.

This comes after the environmental destruction caused by a bauxite carrier running aground in Kangava Bay on Rennell Island, which led to 100 tonnes of heavy fuel oil flowing into the bay.

Mr Hou said both mining companies, along with the shipping company, are responsible for the clean-up.

Furthermore he said the mining companies may be barred from Rennell.

"The decision on the company mining lease and development consent will be done when all assessments I have instructed have been completed," he said.

"We have laws in this country and regardless of the inadequacies in some areas they still form the basis upon which decisions relating to the mining lease and development consent must be addressed."

Mr Hou said Solomon Islands has earned little from the more than 64 loads of bauxite ore that have been shipped off Rennell since the mine started operations.