Call for suspension of mining in West Rennel.

The people of Rennell urges the national and provincial governments to suspend logging and mining activities in west Rennell.

Former Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, Timothy Johnston made the call following continous mineral shipment
coming in and out of Rennell despit the COVID-19 State of Emergency situation in the country.

He described Renbell as a vulnerable hotspot for COVID-19 possible outbreak, as bulk carriers continue to enter the province.

“On behalf of the people of Renbel Province, I call on the national and provincial government, to suspend all logging and mining operations in the province, especially West Rennel.”

“Renbel province is cureently vulnerable as bulk carrier vessels keeps entering the province and mining activities going on days and nights.”

Mr. Johnston said he supported earlier calls made by Renbell women for the government to suspend the whole operations.

“The province will suffer from poor decisions. Once there’s an outbreak in the province, it will be locked down from the rest of the world.”

He added, there’s no presence of quarantine or responsible authorities people at the Southern border.

Earlier, four people were suspected of having the COVID-19. Most of them were Asian miners.

Currently three mining firms opedating in West Rennel are: Asia Pacific Investment (APID), World Link mining Ltd, and Bin Tang mining Solomons Ltd.

by Charley Piringi