BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
The Premier of Western Province has raised serious concerns over the national mining law, claiming that it undermines the province’s authority to regulate mining activities within its jurisdiction.
Speaking exclusively to Island Sun, Premier Billy Veo said the current Mines and Minerals legislation grants decision-making powers solely to landowners and the national government, leaving provincial governments with little to no say in the approval process for prospecting and mining licenses.
“The mining industry is one industry that provinces have no control over. All powers to grant licenses are vested in the national government.
“Provinces are involved in the process after prospecting or mining license are approved at the national level,” he said.
Veo emphasized that the province’s role is limited to issuing business licenses—a step that can be overridden by the national government if deemed obstructive.
“In circumstances where the province refuses to grant a business license, the government will use the Mines and Minerals Law to bypass such requirement. This is where we clash,” he explained.
Veo argued that that lack of provincial involvement in early decision-making has led to tensions and undermines the will of local communities, especially when provinces oppose mining activities.
“As a government, we say no to mining,” he said.
Island Sun understands that Western Province has developed its own Mining Policy to guide decisions and uphold its stance on the issue.
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