Communities Urged to Engage in Consultations on Proposed Mining Law

Honiara, Solomon Islands – Monday, 16 June 2025 – Community leaders and civil society organisations are urging citizens across Solomon Islands to participate in public consultations on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, which is currently before Parliament.

The Bill proposes to replace the existing Mines and Minerals Act and could significantly reshape how mining operations are approved, monitored, and enforced throughout the country.

If passed, the legislation would grant the national government broader authority over mineral resources, raising concerns about its impact on land rights, environmental protections, and the role of communities in decision-making.

Several organisations, including the Development Services Exchange, Apunepara Ha’amwa’ora Natural Resources Association, and the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination, are encouraging landowners, community groups, and the public to carefully review the draft law and share their views through the public submission process.

Development Services Exchange General Secretary, Jennifer Wate, said the statement reflects the collective and initial views of the organisation on the bill, emphasising that it forms part of an ongoing consultation process.

“This statement presents our preliminary views on the bill. We are currently consulting with stakeholders and will submit a formal position to the Bills and Legislation Committee before the official deadline,” she said.

The Bill Contravenes the Solomon Islands’ Own Regional and International Commitments

 The Solomon Islands Constitution affirms that the proposed Bill could conflict with Solomon Islands’ obligations under both domestic and international law. The country is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, both of which affirm the rights of citizens to participate in decisions that affect them and to access natural resources. Solomon Islands has also committed to United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which call for the protection of Indigenous communities and rural women in development processes.

In the regional context, the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Communiqué both stress sustainable development and strong community engagement in resource management. Similarly, the 2016 Buala Declaration—developed by Indigenous leaders and civil society in Solomon Islands—calls for national laws that better reflect customary land ownership, environmental responsibility, and intergenerational justice.

Make your voice count before 20 June

 The Bills and Legislation Committee is now inviting public submissions on the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, with a deadline of Friday, 20 June at 4:30pm. Individuals, organisations, and communities are strongly encouraged to take part in this important national dialogue.

Submissions can be sent to the Chairman of the Bills and Legislation Committee, National Parliament of Solomon Islands, PO Box G19, Honiara, or by email: comsec@parliament.gov.sb or ivory.iruha@parliament.gov.sb

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For more information or media-related inquiries, contact, Development Services Exchange Phone: 23760 or Email: generalsecretary@dse.org.sb

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