DCC WELCOMES COURT’s DECISION ON SMM APPEAL
Court mallet. Photo: Effiong Eton
The Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government welcomes the Court of Appeal’s decision on an appeal by SMM Solomon LTD, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Metal Mining LTD of Japan.
The Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat this morning says the Court of Appeal upheld most of the important appeal points raised by SMMS which effectively dashed any hopes by Axiom KB Ltd to mine nickel ore on Takata and San Jorge Island in Isabel Province.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the DCC Government welcomes the Court of Appeal decision and looks forward to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the development of nickel mining in Isabel benefits every stakeholder.
He says with the legal battle now out of the way, the Government through the Department of Mines can now start the process of ensuring a reputable mining company develops the nickel project in Takata and San Jorge.
The legal case between SMMS and Axiom KB Ltd was one of the longest and most expensive cases in Solomon Islands legal history.