Interest In Prospecting For Minerals In E. Malaita

Companies Show Interest In Prospecting For Minerals In East Malaita

Two newly established local companies are currently in a process of obtaining prospecting licenses to undertake mineral prospecting on East Malaita.

The Malaita Provincial Minister for Mines and Energy George Abana has just returned last week from a Mineral Board Meeting in Honiara where the Mineral Board considered the licenses of two companies Pacific Porphyry and EP Limited.

The business status of the two companies was not immediately made available at this stage.

Mr Abana said the companies are looking at negotiating Surface Access Agreement with local landowners.

He said its was a step forward by the Grand Coalition for Change Government to recognize Provincial governments to be part of the Mineral Board Meeting.

"What was important was the continued consultation between the companies and the landowning groups," he said.

EP Mineral Company Limited is concentrating on alluvial activities and gemstones.

ENDS

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